Twenty years ago I realized a life-long dream and entered the teaching profession. Here I was, a young, naive 23 year old. I will never forget the first day of school and several parents questioning if I was even old enough to teach their kids as I didn't seem old enough to be out of high school! (Those were the days of being taken for much younger than I was...would love to have that again!)
At 23 and starting my career, I was ready to take on the world and be an incredible teacher for my amazing students. I was going to be "that" teacher who made the difference in all of the kids who came across my path. Looking back, I often wonder what happened to that naive boy.
That year, there were about 15 brand new teachers starting at our school. We also had a brand new, first time superintendent. It was a school on the verge of a change; but, I had no clue at the time. I was blessed to work under the superintendent I had for that first year! She embraced our enthusiasm for education and all the ideas we brought in with us! Unfortunately, not everyone embraced the "youngsters" coming in to teach in their traditional style school.
I was fortunate enough to have a lead teacher who encouraged us newbies to try our ideas and then see what would happen. She would talk to us AFTER the lesson to see how it went and then give her insight. In the beginning, this put me off a little as I wondered why she hadn't warned me ahead of time so I could fix the wrongs before they happened. Later I realized I was far more better off than others in different grade levels.
I watched other newbies being told to not try their ideas and just stick with the script. I actually saw moments where veteran teachers handed over seatwork and homework for every week of the year with the direction of, "this is what we do." New ideas were criticized to the point new teachers were afraid to try them with the students. This is when I learned my lead teacher was a true leader!
It was a few months in to the school year and I was in conversation with others and I was called a "Disneyland teacher". I had no clue what this was or how to grasp the idea of it; but, I could tell by the tone of the veteran teacher calling me this that she did not value the trait in myself. I have struggled over this remark off and on for 20 years!
On one hand, being a "Disneyland teacher" would make me innovative, engaging and fun! Isn't that what teachers are called to be? How could this be a bad thing? Why did it make me feel insecure and self conscious? I learned that day that I would need to hide my teaching style from those who would judge me...and that's hard to do in a small country school where everyone knows one another!
Did this stop me from being the fun teacher? NOPE! All it did was make me be a closeted fun teacher!! Fortunately I have had amazing administrators who have appreciated my playfulness. (Only one was not supportive, but she didn't last long!)
Where is all this coming from? This year marks my 20th year in teaching! I was able to attend a dream conference that I had wanted to go to for years but didn't think financially possible. With the support of my admin, I was able to attend the CUE Fall Conference in Napa Valley! It was an amazing experience where I saw many teachers not hiding their "Disneyland teacher" qualities; however, they were embracing their playful nature. I saw teachers shining and full of enthusiasm for what they do! This sparked my passion to ignite.
Walking away from the CUE conference, I had a major burden hanging in my mind...where would I be today had I not been shut down 20 years ago? What kind of leader in education could I have been? Many of these ideas I'm seeing are new to me and many are things I have been doing for years! I could let that thought haunt me for the next 20 years of my career, or I could begin a journey I didn't have the ability to do 20 years ago!
I immediately returned to my school campus and began sharing what I had learned with those interested! I have shared with my superintendent/principal! I have started exploring on my own and speaking out on campus. This month we will begin a journey of creating our own PLC at our school campus. It has been scary and intimidating; however, it is worthwhile and encouraging! Out of 36 teachers, we may have about 12 fully on board; but, it is a start and one I am happy to be a part of!
Such a long post for a first blog entry...what's the bottom line? Veteran teachers, DON'T discourage newbies! Don't be intimidated by the young and fresh educators coming in to the profession. Embrace them for their energy and fresh ideas! They aren't here to replace us old folks, but here to help keep the profession alive and relevant!
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