Entry # 30:
We shared a passion for teaching
Today I have been up and down an emotional roller coaster. I have been home
for Spring Break all week, taking the time to relax, complete some home
improvements, and plan my units for fourth quarter. Tomorrow morning I am
leaving for Cozumel for a few, blissful days, and I was just beginning to
think I did not even need the vacation to sooth my nerves. That is, until
today.
I only had a few tasks I needed to complete today. I needed to pack for
the trip, speak at a faculty meeting at an elementary school in another
district, and meet my in-laws for dinner. My cat, Mr. Fabulous, had another
thing in mind; he became rather ill this morning, and I had to scramble
to get him a veterinarian's appointment and find a place to board him at
the last minute so someone could give him his antibiotics two times a day
while we are gone. I spent all day worrying about him, and if I did not
need the rest before, I sure do now.
I was able, thankfully, to keep my commitment to speak at the elementary
school faculty meeting. The principal had read my article
in the newspaper about Roger last Fall, contacted me in February, and asked
me to speak at her faculty meeting. Her goal was to show her appreciation
to her staff in a celebration of teaching and a discussion of our impact
on our students. I am glad I had the opportunity to speak.
A chance to meet teachers "across the lines"
I think everyone should have the opportunity to sit in another staff's faculty
meeting, especially outside of the district. We get so used to the norm
in our school that it is easy to become complacent and accepting of negative
behaviors while failing to acknowledge the positives.
I was immediately struck by the cohesiveness of this large staff of 65 teachers.
They all seemed to know and like each other, and as different anecdotes
were shared about each teacher during the administration's "Gift of
Time" presentation (The principal and vice-principal are extending
each teacher's prep period by 30 minutes one day during fourth quarter;
they are actually planning to teach those classes themselves!), people laughed,
nodded heads, and applauded. Everyone seemed supportive; there were no snide
comments or rolling of eyes that I saw. And I looked.
Another thing that struck me was that while each of us was speaking, the
staff was attentive. I am used to being embarrassed by my staff's behavior
when we have guest presenters. People get up, talk openly, and make comments
about how stupid the presentation is. It is a painful experience.
Another difference was everyone was on time for the meeting. When the door
to the library was opened, person after person piled in, obviously happy
to be there even though they had no idea the faculty meeting was more a
celebration with pizza, soda and cheesecake included.
While I was there I was treated as a part of the family. I felt welcome
and comfortable, and it made me a little sad to think about my own faculty.
I can see why this school is making the gains it is in the education of
their children.
Breaking the "city teacher" stereotype
I think it was important for this staff to meet me too. I was able to show
them a contradiction to their stereotype of a city teacher. I shared their
passion for teaching children, their worry for our reluctant learners, and
their dedication for doing whatever it takes to help each child reach his
or her potential. I told them I love where I teach and the students I have.
I added a new dimension to their concepts about city schools and city children.
The longer I teach, the more I see the need to be able to have release time
to observe in other's classrooms and to engage in dialogue with other teachers
about their practice. I am desperately searching for someone in the St.
Louis area who is running an effective reader's workshop, but the question
is, once I find them, will I have the opportunity to observe?
My principal may let me, but do other principals hold those types of experiences
in the same esteem? Furthermore, how do we explain to an already hostile
public why we are getting more free time when we are already failing miserably
in their estimation?
We need to reach beyond our schools and beyond our districts to connect
with others in our profession. Teachers in different circumstances have
unique perspectives and strategies for the situations we all face in our
classrooms every day, and we are missing out if we never look beyond our
front door.
As the saying goes, we cannot teach in isolation and expect to learn.
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