Change

It's time for spring. Living in Michigan allows me to see four very distinct seasons each year. Even after 35 times, spring fills me with new hope of change.

I feel like I am coming to a point of change in my career in education. Either I can continue to talk about doing something new, or I can jump into the abyss, risking my comfort for a new experience.

As I walk around my school I can feel the energy from other staff members. They too are ready. For 13 years I have taught in the same school district. We have been through a tough five years. I was at my wit's end in December of 2006, frustrated by the lack of updated technology, limited by the standardization of learning, worried that I was doomed to a career of punching in and out. Then I discovered how to interact with educators around the world through blogs and wikis. I saw outside of the walls of my classroom, my school district, my town, my state. I made connections with others whom shared my personal and professional philosophies of learning. And then an even more amazing thing happened. I was given several gifts - a new superintendent and the return of my favorite principal. The technology was updated, the attitudes of my leaders changed, I was valued.

Only one year later I feel such a difference. The five years of struggle in my district happened so slowly and painfully. Yet, just after one year, there is such a different attitude! I feel as though what I have to say matters to others. There is an empowerment I have gained during the last 12 months since I started this blog. At the same time, I feel empowered in my school district
too. I am hopeful that during the next few years I will have the opportunity to work with others in new and exciting ways. I can't wait to share my classroom experiences with other adults whom will share my passion. I'm so excited. I'm ready to jump!