Year One Done!

I've got a meeting all day tomorrow, which means that for all intents and purposes, the school year begins for me. I thought I would reflect on this past year – my first as a reading specialist. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to support all of the readers at our school!

The year was interesting to say the least!

It started with me saying yes too far too many things and bring burnt out by early October. I'm not someone who easily admits defeat, but I was so completely miserable. Thankfully, both C and my best friend could tell things were not okay and reassured me that the world would not end if I withdrew from something I wasn't enjoying whatsoever just because a few people might be annoyed with me. I cannot overstate the importance of having people in your life that can see things about you that you're unable to see yourself!

I didn't write this;
I saw it online and resonated with me.
"to be known without knowing it"

Life improved a million fold after I decided to remove that particular obligation from my list of responsibilities and I highly recommend knowing when to walk away from something. There's this false belief that "quitters never win," but that is complete and utter nonsense. If something is not serving you in a positive way, let it go and don't look back. That's what I did and the only I regret I have is that I didn't do it weeks earlier! I could have saved myself a lot of tears!

EXACTLY

The year ended with thirteen weeks of virtual school, including countless zoom meetings, with my favorites being the classroom meetings where I could read to and interact with the students!

After so many years as a classroom teacher, not having my "own" kids was the biggest adjustment for me. On the upside, though, I've gotten to know so many more kids than I ever did as a fifth grade teacher! This is also partially due to Kiss and Ride duty before and after school; some people might not enjoy it, but I really love being among the first faces a student sees upon arriving at school and one of the last faces they see when they leave for the day!

What I love most about this job is that I can advocate for the teachers I work with and this is a responsibility I take extremely seriously. I know how hard teachers work day in and day out, and how much of what they do goes unnoticed and unappreciated by most people. I've been able to observe the challenges that are unique to each grade level and enjoy a "big picture" view that I hadn't ever necessarily considered. Although I've know some of my colleagues for 18 years, it hasn't been until this past year when I've had the chance to collaborate with many of them, and that gift is something I do not take for granted. No longer being a classroom teacher means that it's easy for me to be seen as an "other" or an "outsider," but I hope the teachers I work with know that I will always support and go to bat for them. Always! I love how graciously they invite me into their space to work with their students and I love learning from them when I witness the incredible things going on in those spaces.

While my first year as a reading specialist may not have been conventional in many ways, I value all of the experiences because I can take what I've learned and continue growing professionally from here on out.

Not going to lie, though…I REALLY miss teaching math! #proudmathnerd

Happy Tails to you!