It’s been a month since my last blog post. It’s not that I haven’t tried. I started several posts but deleted them. I couldn’t get past the first paragraph. I am determined to get this one done.
It’s been six years since I’ve retired. I wrote this blog, “So What’s Next?” on my last day of work back in 2018. Since then, much has happened in our world and in my life, and I continued to blog about my hopes, my thoughts, and my experiences. I still have strong ideas about our educational systems, but recently, I’ve been wondering if maybe I am too far-removed to share my opinions publicly. I had doubts.
But this past week, I had the opportunity to speak with several young teachers. We were sign-holding for a candidate in a local race, a candidate who received the endorsement of the teachers’ union. I started by asking questions to get to know them better - where they teach, how long they’ve been teaching, how they navigate the challenges post-pandemic, and similar questions.
As our conversation continued, I found myself feeling energized and excited. These teachers were looking forward to the new school year. They shared that they prioritized relationship-building with their students and colleagues. They also believed in providing students with opportunities to maximize their strengths while providing intervention strategies when needed. They were open to trying ideas like team-teaching or project-based learning or learning centers. They shared positive opinions about their administrators whom they felt supported them and helped them to grow as teachers and as people.
Three of the teachers I spoke with are in their second careers; they went back to college to get their education degree and definitely do not regret their decision. Two were working in schools while concurrently taking classes. It is evident that they love what they are doing and feel they are making a positive difference in their students’ lives.
A few years ago, I wrote this blog post - “Should Our Best and Brightest Become Teachers?” I think this is more applicable than ever today. We need an informed citizenry to tackle the problems in our community, in our state, in our country, and in the world. The teachers I spoke with recently are committed to educating our young people to be passionate, motivated, inspired learners who can make a difference. They are the kind of teachers we need for our students today.
I am feeling optimistic!
