Curveball, Fastball, HIt!

There are times in one's life when things just work out well.  In such occasions, reflection can provide a fulfilling perspective.  For me, missing on an unexpected curveball thrown my way gave me the chance to hit an ensuing fastball out of the park. (Yes, a baseball reference is apropros considering I am writing this during a World Series game).  For the past nine weeks, I enjoyed being a student teacher working with a wonderful, experienced teacher who served as a terrific mentor.  We developed an outstanding working relationship complete with mutual respect from day one.  As I gained valuable practical experience, I learned, contributed and deepened my desire to be an educator

During this placement, the class went from a challenging number of students (27) to a more manageable one (19) when a new teacher was hired six weeks into the school year.  A number of school holidays, half days, and even fire drills made efficient planning necessary to accomplish our teaching goals.  It was a rich learning experience in a short time indeed.

During this last week, the teacher, students and I counted down the days to my final one with sadness.  None of us wanted to part company.  Today, while holding back tears, I bid farewell to students who then overwhelmed me with a minute long group hug, lots of individual hugs, and a book of heartfelt letters that conveyed how I helped them learn.  

I'm still so moved as I read these letters for a third time.  "You make me more confident", "I would not have figured out math without you", "you are a funny teacher and a fun one", "you made learning fun", and "you will find a new set of cool students like us but we will never find another awesome teacher like you."   Comments like these inspire me tremendously as I complete my journey to be a certified teacher.  Making positive impacts on young minds.  That's why I want to be an educator.   

If it weren't for that curveball, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet really great kids and their amazing teacher.  Don't despair over the curveballs that come your way.  Something better to hit may follow.

Life is Long Enough for Detours, Pauses and Bumps in the Road

Last month, I started the final semester of my graduate studies.  After two years of online coursework, I was more than excited to begin on-the-job training as a student teacher.  Not only did I have a short commute to the school, I knew several parents, students and staff members including the outstanding principal.  It seemed like an ideal situation but one critical element was missing.  Perhaps blinded by my eagerness to be in a classroom, I underestimated the importance of an effective working relationship to foster a productive learning environment.  It would not be fair to share just my point of view here but suffice it to say that differing expectations led to a lack of healthy communication - or was it the other way around?

After the first few weeks, I reflected upon my education which I take very seriously so I can be prepared as much as possible to be a novice teacher.  With just 14 weeks in one's life to learn as a student teacher, I value this apprenticeship greatly.  Unfortunately, I was not in the dynamic learning environment I expected and wanted.  While most student teachers would try to just "get through" with hopes of a passing grade, I do not want to compromise my commitment to learn.  The opportunity is just too valuable and would be wasted if I'm not learning as much as I feel I can.  It would be a disservice to me and my future students if I didn't take this critical learning experience earnestly.  

After much deliberation with my wife and my supportive professors, I chose to withdraw from this semester and start over in the fall with an increased focus on the critical success factors.  With a great amount of thought behind my choice, I am confident this is the best decision for me.  It's not the first time I've made bold but deliberate decisions about my career.  Thankfully, they have all worked out really well.  Besides always believing things happen for a reason, I will still be ahead of my goal of graduating in May 2016.  I had intended to start my degree program after enjoying a year as a stay at home dad.  Instead, I got ambitious and hit the books hard just a month after retiring from my corporate career and haven't stopped since.

My unexpectedly challenging situation has been a great teaching moment at home.  I've been transparent with my kids with my thought process and decision.  I've shared that it is important to make personal goals, to stay true to those objectives, and to make decisions with thoughtful consideration of information and consequences.  I also stress that their happiness and well-being are paramount factors.  I tell them that with age comes the wisdom to know that life is long enough for detours, pauses and bumps in the road. Our actions are vital lessons for our children. I want my own to feel empowered to make thoughtful decisions about their own choices.

No rest for me though.  My wife has already started a to-do list for me!