Here's what MiddleWeb Listserv subscribers
have to say about our ongoing conversation
I hope that this doesn't make me sound weird, but I am a first year teacher
with limited mentoring. This listserv fills a very real need in my life
and may be the lifesaver that keeps me in teaching. I really don't want
to become one of those statistics of teachers who drop out of education
within the first 5 years of teaching.
I really look forward to reading all of the listserv postings, and part
of that is because of the feeling of community, trust, encouragement, stimulation
and the wisdom of those with years of experience. Some of the threads that
we have shared I have copied and pasted and printed out to save.
This seems to be a very dynamic, committed, mentally sound group of professionals,
and I am glad to (cyber) know you all !
After reading the various posts here, my plan is to establish a small cadre
of like minded colleagues and just do it! I just hope some of them will
be on my team. Thanks to MiddleWeb, I don't feel so isolated. You all are
inspiring in this conversation. Thank you.
I felt powerless for such a long time. Who was I, one lone teacher, a newer
one at that (5-years) to be questioning the powers that be and pushing for
change? I wondered for a long time what I could possibly do, and I felt
frustration because no one else was taking the steps to make the changes
or work towards improved student learning. I did not feel it was "my
place," for a long time, and I've struggled with resentment that there
is no one in my building who has years of experience and is taking a leadership
role.
Finally, because of the wonderful people on this listserv and spending time
reflecting on my situation, I've come to the realization that I cannot wish
my situation away. Since I see the problems and the potential for growth,
I have the responsibility to work towards those things. Once I stopped resisting,
I discovered several other people who felt the same way and who are willing
to work together to effect change.
I have to say to all of you on MiddleWeb, thank you for being the mentors
and support I desperately needed. Having an outlet like this one has pushed
me to grow tremendously in many areas.
During the Thanksgiving season, a teacher wrote: "I am thankful this
season for the listserve conversation. Sometimes it is so lonely to have
aspirations for your classroom and your school, and no one to 'dream' with
you. For me, lurking and listening to you all talk about the thoughtful
change that is being attempted is rewarding. It makes me able to hang in
there, to be more patient, and to wait until others are ready to consider
moving forward."
My daily intermittent reading of MiddleWeb postings formed the leitmotiv
of the year. It was staff development that reoccurred in every day, a familiar
refrain that sustained and promoted professional growth. I discovered the
learning walk, looking at student work, student-led conferences, middle
school book clubs and the need to hover. I forwarded information to teachers,
read selections in faculty meetings, and purloined quotes for my own letters.
This is the way professional growth ought to occur: not in fits and starts
but as a steady flow of information from which you can choose on a need-to-know
and interesting-to-learn-about basis.
After 31 years in teaching grades 5-8, with the two years before this one
made really difficult by an oppressive situation at school, I was on the
verge of burn-out. Thanks to the Middleweb Listserv, this year has been
one of my best.
The daily doses of fresh ideas, true collegiality, and focus on what is
best for the students have been like main-lining sunshine for me! The book
chats have taught me to embrace literacy and comprehension strategies in
a new way. Getting the perspective of administrators on the Listserv has
made a big difference.
Earlier in the year we had a conversation string about mentoring teachers
near retirement, new teachers, all teachers. I feel like I've had the best
kind of mentoring this year, from you guys. Thanks!
Other educators wrote:
"Thanks to everyone for such rich dialogue. It's a gift and an honor
to read everyone's thoughts."
"Such GREAT ideas. Thanks to everyone....."
"Thanks, whoever initiated this topic, for bringing me to an in-depth
look at where I've been, and where I'm going...."
"When I try to explain the value of e-mail networks to non-members
they often tell me they couldn't possibly find the time to participate.
I can't imagine giving up the support I get from participating! I'm looking
forward to our ongoing collaboration and growth."
"I'm excited to be part of this community of learners where we are
willing to share what we know and what we don't know and are wondering about...it's
never boring."
Back to the MiddleWeb Listserv sign-up
page!