Introduction

Today marks the first day of my weekly blog to enhance my own experiences as an educator and hopefully enlighten you on your journey as a teacher or school leader. 

I have been a formal student for 40 years; from 5 years old to 45! Wow, that is a long time to have been in the public school and college/university settings. The culmination of my efforts earned me a High School Diploma, an Associate, Bachelor, Masters and Rank 1 as an Educational Specialist. I have earned certifications in Specific Learning Disability, Reading in the Content Areas, Principal k-12, and Instructional Leadership. Each time I embarked on a new class I start it with an open mind; leaning on growth mindset principles and end up learning more about my values and the values of others as they relate to the world of educating students and teachers. One thing is for sure; we ALL want students to find success each and everyday. 

So, why am I starting a blog? It's two fold really, first I truly love teachers, students, the classroom experiences, and families who entrust us 187+/- days a year with their most precious cargo. I am passionate about being purposeful, intentional, and well planned for the school day and beyond. Frankly, I enjoy being a teacher. And secondly, I want to challenge myself to become a better coach and advocate for teaching. To do that I am going to dig into my past experiences, share the expertise of others, and create a platform for all of us to become stronger educators. 

Presently the school where I spend 190 days a year is focusing on the art of being intentional and purposeful with our planning/students. Our goal is to look at the finish line and plan back from there, we are using Understanding by Design as a reference text.  I will share principles I learn from Understanding by Design as I work with teachers as they relate to my overall bog's purpose. 

I will be gathering information from a variety of texts each week that will be a guide as you consider your classroom, teachers, and/or school. 

Let's begin...

One of my favorite educational teaching books is Intentional and Targeted Teaching, A Framework \for Teacher Growth and Leadership, by D. Fisher, N. Frey, and S.A. Hite.  What I enjoyed so much about this book was it wasn't something new that a school grabbed off the interstate, no it embodies good planning using the materials/curriculum(s) you have at your school. Like most planning texts it asks us to ask ourselves why we do what we do in the classroom. On page 11 they provide us with a realization, "Teaching is a complicated business. It requires passion and perseverance, expertise and effort." 

Often we find our passion through life experiences but gain our expertise through intentional education and effort you found yours in the business of teaching and I am so grateful you did. Teaching is hard, no question about that; but is rewarding beyond measure when we put forth the effort. This week think about your own passion, perseverance, expertise, and effort. Think about how you can maximize your efforts for your students this year through non-traditional school days over the Internet if that is your district's path and then face to face in the classroom. 

See you next week!