As Thanksgiving approached, MiddleWeb editor, John Norton,
asked MiddleWeb listserv readers to focus on the things that help them refuel
their teaching passion. His appeal was met by an abundance of enthusiastic
responses demonstrating the fact that blessings abound in the day to day
world of educators.
Hi, Listers!
Back in action here at MiddleWeb Central and thinking that it would be fun
to hear from any and all of you about what you're most grateful for - professionally
speaking - as the holiday season begins.
Some of you are, no doubt, having a rough year. But is there one thing in
your professional life -- in your classroom, your school, your personal
growth -- that you're particularly thankful about this week?
- John
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Stacey explained how teaching in the right school can make all the difference.
Yes!! Today I was thinking how lucky I am to be in my school. My last
two teaching positions lasted a year a piece. My original plan was to never
return to teaching. I did, however, apply to teach at two schools during
the summer. I was an immediate fit with my school.
My teaching assistant is a blast, I have my own classroom, my kids are great,
and I am enjoying the opportunity to teach social studies (along with my
original content area, which is language arts.)
- Stacy
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Kate commented on the importance of surrounding oneself with a network
of supportive people.
Despite or, I guess, because of a really rough year so far, I am really
thankful for the supportive people around me, both at home and at school.
Things would be much more difficult without people to vent to, bounce ideas
off of, and learn from...which reminds me how glad I am to have found this
listserv and its many generous, knowledgeable members. Thanks!
- Kate
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Rick shared his thoughts.
I know we try to stay politically correct on the listserv, but I am
thankful for all of the skills and abilities that God has provided me with
for this profession. I feel that I was meant to be a middle school teacher,
and that many of the personal struggles I have encountered over my life
have occurred to help a student or students who are experiencing the same
struggles. I am thankful for my students!
- Rick
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Cossondra listed number of things that make her school community a wonderful
place to be.
I am thankful for a principal, superintendent, and many colleagues who
honestly care about kids, middle age ones in particular. I am thankful for
our middle school counselor who finds a way to touch every kid and every
member in a personal way on a regular basis. I am thankful for a supportive
community that supports our school both financially and emotionally, consistently
approving mileages so we can have the tools we need to teach (we are not
a well-to-do community!) I am thankful for supportive parents who take the
time to say "THANKS!" I am thankful for the members of our middle
school staff who consistently give that extra little to make the lives of
students more enriching - volunteering to coach a Quiz Bowl team, offering
special lunchtime activities, etc... I am thankful for being part of such
a wonderful school community!
- Cossondra
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Cossondra added to her previous posting.
OOPS... and one more, sorry! I am thankful to, for the first time in
8 years!!! to have a WINDOW in my classroom!!!
- Cossondra
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Katrina pointed out the importance of having supportive family members.
I am thankful for having a very loving, supportive and understanding
fiancé. He was there for me 110% while I was working on my M.A.T.,
stuck by me through my student teaching, and has kept me sane for the my
first three months as a teacher. (And we weren't even engaged until a month
ago!) If it wasn't for his encouragement, I might have changed professions.
I am very happy that I chose to stick it out.
- Katrina
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Ellen pondered how the love of teaching is directly connected to a thirst
to learn and improve professionally.
I am so thankful that I am still learning and growing. I still get such
a rush when something new I try works, and I enjoy solving the problems
that arise in my classroom in a productive manner. When I think back to
the teacher I was when I first started 7 years ago, I find much to admire
in terms of spirit and drive, but I also see how much I have improved with
my dealings with children and with instruction.
I still love what I do, and with so many people in jobs they hate, that's
really something to be thankful for.
- Ellen
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Chad identified a specific program that he is thankful for.
This is my third year of teaching 6th grade. I am thankful that I work
in a district that values 6th grade camp - they pay 1/2 of the $200 fee
for each student. No student stayed at home from camp due to a lack of funds.
Kids learn so much in the outdoor setting - and it's a great time for us
teachers as well.
- Chad
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At the end of a job well done, Michelle expressed her thankfulness.
I am thankful that my hard work on National Board Certification paid
off!! A bit self centered - but I'm so happy!!
- Michelle
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Mary Ellen's positive attitude was evident in her posting.
I am thankful for so much. I love my job and don't actually think of
it as work --- well, except when the essays are piled as they are now. I
love working with junior high students and love to see their minds work
in their own, strange manners. I have a wonderful administrator who teaches
one class a day so as to stay in touch. I am thankful for supportive, giving
parents. I am blessed.
- Mary Ellen
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Elizabeth, a middle school principal, was thankful for the many people
who make up her school community.
Oh, my....YES!!! We have a WONDERFUL, caring staff who works many, many
hours beyond what's called for to help our students in so many ways. We
have AWESOME parents who support our efforts (as well as a few who are the
road bumps in life. We have support staff who always go the extra mile to
make our lives so much easier during the school day and provide so many
extra touches when our "tanks" are running low. And we have a
community who values education!
We certainly have our ups and downs but, overall, we're very blessed here!
We are certainly not a "rich" district financially and have some
frayed carpets, wobbly desks and chairs and a few leaks in the roof....but
we're "rich" in what matters most....good relationships, smiles
and pretty happy kids.
I am a principal in south central Michigan and feel very BLESSED to be working
where I am with these people! I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.
Best regards and Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Elizabeth
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Trisha told described an activity that helped to create an overall attitude
of thankfulness among staff.
Our principal gave us big multicolored turkeys last week. There chests
were blank and we were instructed to write what we were thankful for about
our school. This was a staff only project.
Our teacher's room has been covered (wall to wall) with these turkeys boasting
what a wonderful school we have. Some people even colored theirs.
It sounds kind of hoakie but it was wonderful to read everyone's response.
It also started our crazy parent teacher conference week off a bang.
- Trisha
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Chris added his comments.
If I had to choose only one thing I'm thankful for,(there are many)
I would have to say that I am thankful to be working in a job I enjoy that
allows me to help, or at least try to help people every time I interact
with them. Imagine that, they pay me to do something I like to do!
- Chris
-----------------------------
Lea shared an idea that has been a blessing to both her and her students.
Great question, John! One thing that I'm especially thankful for this
year is the journals that I've been doing with my students. I got the idea
from Cris Tovani at her workshop that I attended this summer. She makes
journals for her students which are just one sheet of copy paper with 6
boxes, 3 on top, and 3 on bottom. The kids write in the top boxes and she
responds in the bottom boxes. My rule is that the kids have to write at
least sentences and I don't give them a topic. I have learned so much about
my students and vice versa. We've all commented on how much we enjoy this
simple, 5-minute warm-up exercise.
- Lea
------------------------
Bill recorded a number of things that he is thankful for.
Thank you, John, for a timely and helpful question - those of us who
are having rough years (and for that matter those of us who aren't) can
always benefit by focusing on the positive side of our professional life.
So...
I'm thankful for colleagues who respect each other and put the kids first.
I'm thankful for kids and their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm.
I'm thankful for my wonderful family - yes, this is professional, because
without their support and understanding I wouldn't be able to take the time
I need to do my job at all right.
And - of course! - I'm thankful for MiddleWeb, whom I can always trust to
keep me stimulated, up-to-date, and focused on the important things in life.
Now I get to go read what you all have already written - pretty much the
outpouring I expected!
- Bill
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Brenda turned her thoughts of gratitude towards the World Wide Web, the
tool that has taken much of the isolation out of teaching.
After years of plugging along on my own teaching steam, I am forever
thankful for the "meeting place" that the World Wide Web has created
for teachers to connect with some of the most innovative teaching minds
in their profession. MiddleWeb listserv is that meeting place for me and
I am grateful for all of you who so willingly share, not only what you know,
but what you wonder. I am a better teacher for time spent hanging out here.
Leadership guru, Warren Bennis talks about us in his article "The Secrets
of Great Groups":
"...the problems we face are too complex to be solved by any one person
or any one discipline. Our only chance is to bring people together from
a variety of backgrounds and disciplines that can refract a problem through
the prism of complementary minds allied in common purpose. I call such collections
of talent Great Groups. The genius of Great Groups is that they get remarkable
people -- strong individual achievers -- to work together to get results.
But these groups serve a second and equally important function: they provide
psychic support and personal fellowship. They help generate courage. Without
a sounding board for outrageous ideas, without personal encouragement and
perspective when we hit a roadblock, we'd all lose our way."
- Brenda
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Debbie expressed her gratitude to Brenda
Thanks Brenda!
Your ongoing sharing serves as an inspiration to us all. I continue to be
amazed by your contributions and insight. Have you read Schools with Spirit?
I'm sure you would love it. It is a constant source of quotes and ideas
that rejuvenate my spirit as both a citizen and a teacher.
- Debbie
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Deborah described the blessing that comes from making a difference in
a students' life.
I am grateful for the opportunity to take throwaway kids in small classes
and watch dull eyes shine when connections are made. I am thankful that
they all talk at once and ask questions on a roll, and I am thankful that
I am still learning from them and loving it.
After 36 years in education, it warms my soul when kids tell me that they
love my class and when non-readers are stealing the books out of my room
to read at home. I am thankful that I process certain criminal activities--
unsolicited, wholesale reading with snitched books from Bova's classroom--
as a wonderful event, one to celebrate -- a gift from God. I am thankful
that I have books back in my classroom and that doing the yearbook for the
first time has made me crazy ---but not killed or institutionalize me. I
am thankful that I still love snowfalls and that each season is filled with
hope.
And I am so thankful for all of you. Have a wonderful holiday.
- Deborah
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Laurie shared her thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, my fellow Middlewebbers, who are always
there for me and each other, I am thankful that I have chosen a profession
in which every day is different and never boring! I am a part of a profession
that gives me the opportunity to help kids, who in turn help me become a
better person. Every year we are touched by that one special kid who gets
into our hearts and takes hold (the one you think about when you first get
up and the one you think about long after the dismissal bell rings). I am
truly lucky to not only teach a group this year who are kind, caring and
respectful to each other, but they have made me realize there ARE good years
followed by difficult years....isn't it ironic?
My love and thanks to all of you who are there every morning with me while
I drink my coffee and start my day,
- Laurie
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Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Debbie shared some of hers.
I'm thankful to be home at a computer that is working. I was away for
two days going through email withdrawal : )
I'm thankful that my husband's hip surgery and recovery went well last summer
because it allowed me to re-focus my energies on my work with kids and teachers.
I'm thankful for the collaborative support of my colleagues online and off,
without you I know that I would feel discouraged in these trying times for
educators.
And last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful for our students, who keep
showing up and starting fresh, despite our shortcomings. Without them, I'd
still be working in a diner and feeling much less hopeful about our future...
Happy Thanksgiving,
- Debbie
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Mary Anne's noted the source of her strength.
Happy thanksgiving all!!
It has been a different kind of year this year.
I am thankful for my family's support more than anything. They have been
an incredible comfort--
- Mary Anne
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Dianne shared a touching incident.
One of my kids yesterday, an 8th grade male, told me yesterday that
I was "his blessing". That is the kind of comment that keeps me
working!
(My mother told me to keep a scrapbook of the wonderful notes and things
from kids--but I just keep them in my heart!)
- Dianne
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Ellen responded to Dianne's story.
That's the kind of comment we all long to hear! You must be a very special
person in that young man's life for him to tell you that. Kudos!
On that note, today one of my very challenging young ladies asked me if
she could speak to me privately about a problem. It doesn't sound like a
big deal, but for her to finally trust me enough and seek answers instead
of escalating the problem puts a smile all over my face and gives me the
drive to keep working with those "unreachable" kids.
I am just thankful I am able to learn and share with the great group of
educators on this list. I don't know how I could function effectively without
you.
- Ellen
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Carolyn listed a number of things she is thankful for.
Thanks John for the question. Made me actually stop and think:
I am thankful for being on a team of teachers that supports each other.
I enjoy my students this year. They are fun, polite and outgoing.
I am thankful for being afforded the opportunity to change careers mid life
(thanks go to my family there) and to be able to impact lives by helping
them see that learning is gift to be treasured.
Hope everyone's holiday is a happy one.
- Carolyn
------------------------
Naomi pointed out how being aware of our blessings makes us cognoscente
of the lack of blessing in the lives of those around us.
I am thankful for a home, food, a job and the hope of a good future.
I am thankful that I am helping to maintain a school where kids are valued.
This is matched with worry for those who have no home, no food, no job and
no hope for the future. I am constantly worried about our future. I would
love to be able to say that I was thankful for peace.
The best for all of you....for all of us.....on this weekend of thanksgiving.
- Naomi
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Kelly reminded readers that challenges can be blessings in disguise.
John thanks again for a question to make me think.
I'm thankful for my family, without whose support I couldn't possibly do
my job.
I'm thankful for my team teachers; we really try to work together toward
the same goals for our students.
I'm thankful for my challenging kids this year. It seems that the more difficult
they are to get a handle on and deal with, the more I learn about myself
as a teacher, and how to connect with them- lots of soul searching this
year.
And finally, I am ever so thankful for this listserv. It has been a ray
of light for me while in a school where there are not many who seem to want
to do much more than complain about and blame the kids.
Thanks all and have a wonderful holiday!
- Kelly
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Being thankful in the dry times can be a challenge. Linda shared an idea
of how to experience joy during these times.
Similar to the scrapbook idea, a friend of mine calls it her "don't
quit" file. When times are really tough and the joy feels illusive,
it helps to have a concrete reminder of what we're really working for: to
touch the hearts and minds of the future.
- Linda
------------------------
Max had many things to be thankful for.
On this Thanksgiving Day, 2002, I am thankful for the Good Lord and
the abilities He has blessed me with to passionately pursue my profession
and the challenges He poses to me in order to stretch my capabilities even
farther.
I'm thankful for a wonderful set of colleagues who have formed my teaching
team for the past seven years.
I'm thankful for my dedicated and resourceful student teacher, Tony, who's
been ready, willing and able to step in for me this fall and do a bang up
job teaching.
I'm thankful for parents who care enough to check in on their child's progress
even when they know there are difficulties in learning. The rough waters
of various kinds of educational impairment do not dissuade these parents
from engaging in the learning process.
- Max
---------------------------------
Linda contemplated the significance of courage in the life of educators.
I am thankful for the courage we are able to summon daily to overcome
the obstacles to doing meaningful work with our students and colleagues.
In an interview this morning, Maya Angelou said she believes that courage
is the most important virtue. So maybe for teachers, the courage we need
is:
-- The courage to do what's best for kids, not what's easiest for us.
-- The courage to love the kids that no one else does - even when they aren't
exactly thanking us for it!
-- The courage to be open to the support of others.
-- The courage to ask hard questions about our work, and LISTEN to the answers.
-- The courage to embrace change as energizing rather than threatening.
-- The courage to set high expectations for ourselves, our students, and
our colleagues, and to hold each other accountable for meeting them.
-- The courage to see ourselves as works-in-progress, and to embrace the
journey.
- Linda
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