Summer is gone but still we reminisce about what there was and what should have been. As educators there are certain lies we tell ourselves. Though the act of lying should not be condoned oftentimes we opt for what makes our lives easier - more of a survival technique.
Lie # 1: We will be using our summer for resting. Truth: We use the time to catch up on all those things that we did not get a chance to do during the school year. In fact we may have even scheduled a few professional development here and there! Lie # 2:We will not be involved in anything related to school. Truth: We may have discovered that a cursory glance through our email reminds us up a seminar that we have signed up for that is related to our practice or reading an article that brings us "back to school"! It may also be something as simple as organizing your home office or work space and "wham" you are transported back to school. Then again, there are those of us who love our students so much we decide to do summer school just because....... Lie # 3: We will not be thinking about students or practice. Truth: Biggest lie of all! We are always thinking about how we can improve the lives of our students even beyond the walls of the classroom. Just take a look at the personal learning networks (PLNs) on twitter and the various summer boot camps for teachers! Lie # 4: What happens in school, stays in school. Truth: Every thing that happens in school shapes our core beliefs and practice. We are school. We go to school every day! Alas, without even realizing, summer came and went. You have spent the entire summer planning and preparing for the new school year. There are some for whom this is not true and this will show as the school year unravels. Tom Hierck says it best...... ".....even in the quietest moments of relaxation, it doesn't take much for the mind of the professional educator to wander to thoughts of students past and present. Being an educator is not a profession, it's a PASSION." So what's your biggest lie? Please do share! Have a Great Week. Petreno
It's so great to be back! Really? I started working on this blog during the summer. I thought that I would have long days just languishing around not doing much but was I in for a surprise! I made the mistake of coming up with a schedule and a list of things that I'd like to accomplish. This list suddenly ballooned. I got myself in a situation where I had to prioritize. One of my biggest lesson this summer was learning to let go......it's ok not to be in control all the time. Isn't that what summer should be about for us educators? In fact, I had the greatest lessons too. I found out that I learned more in a relaxed state. I was able to truly make connections between what I taught and the real world that were powerful. I have gained a much better insight into how students learn and how to help them better by thinking outside of the box. Most of all I have rediscovered who I am as a learner and is determined to help my students do the same. I am more invigorated and excited about this year. Like Will Smith in Men In Black, let us not give reigns to our curiosity but use it to guide us as we do what we love....TEACH......despite the prevailing conditions.
The 2014 -2015 school year has ended! This year was filled with a lot of challenges and changes. I was exposed to a number of new learning experiences which I must admit will impact my pedagogy in the future. As we met for the last time as a faculty I had to restrain myself.
It was kind of strange because a part of you just wanted to run, skip, and shout for joy......and that's exactly what I did at the end of the meeting! I worked hard and now I am prepared to play hard after getting some much needed sleep.
Though I would like to entertain the idea of "spending the whole summer in bed" like Chip there are things we have to do as teachers to prepare ourselves for the upcoming school year including professional development. Until then, I will be languishing on the beach soaking up some sun while enjoying music and food. How about you? School's out! Are you? Petreno
