Happy New Year! Out with the old, and in with the new.

That saying of out with the old and in with the new can be good in some cases, but I am a strong proponent for helping others. When it comes to teaching, administrators should want to help teachers grow in their craft. A good friend once told me that if you don’t grow, then you need to go. I think everyone, deep inside, wants to do well in their profession. I also think that some people are afraid of certain professional development opportunities. While many teachers jump at the idea of getting more training, I have seen some teachers over the years shy away from opportunities. I know that those pushing it away are the ones that typically need it the most. As an administrator, I take the time to have serious conversations about growth and reflection with the teacher that snubs PD. During the discussion, we cut to the bone and figure out what is truly needed to remain on top in the field. It’s not really out with the old, but perhaps a detour of hope. If that doesn’t pan out and they still are not willing to grow, then that leads to the other tough conversation of going. Fill the old with newer and better than what left! Surround yourself with quality and greatness. It’s what is best for the kids and the system as a whole. Happy 2015!

On your mark, get set, GO!

I am about to do something that I have wanted to do for a very long time!  BLOG!  I will join the ranks of bloggers and hope to make a difference in the world of education.

When I began my teaching career in 1996, I knew that I loved kids and teaching, but I never knew how much it really mattered until I had my own children.  When my twins started kindergarten last year, I was a nervous wreck!  I wanted my girls to have the best teacher in the world.  I wanted that teacher to love my girls and nurture them.  I knew that if the teacher loved them, they would love her back and in return, love school.  Lucky for me, the teacher that they had, was amazing, and my girls love school.  They even say that they want to be a teacher when they grow up.

As an administrator at the same school, I can honestly say that I look at each teacher and think to myself, “Is that the best teacher for my kids?”  As I interview for new teachers, I always think to myself, “Would I put my children in their classroom?”  As I said before, I loved teaching and I love kids, but when you have your own children, education suddenly takes on a new light and mission.

With the ever so changing standards and ways to teach, I hope that I can share my ideas and they can help others.

Here’s to shaping the world!