What assumption am I making, That I'm not aware I'm making, That gives me what I see?
What might I now invent, That I haven't yet invented, That would give me other choices?
These are great questions for teachers to ask themselves, before saying they can't do something. Many teachers are so stuck in the boat that they can't see a different way. Right now the teachers from my school have been thrown from the boat and will be hanging onto those reiterated words, "toes to nose, and look for the boat". Our school has been closed down by the county. Everything I have clung to for the past ten years, along with all my colleagues have been thrown from the boat. I am in the process right now of saying, "toes to nose" only doing what needs to be done step by step, I can't look any further ahead. I know my friends and colleagues are doing the same. We can't look ahead to when we are going to be amongst strangers, new colleagues, new school, new administration. So we keep saying, "toes to nose" as we pack, decide what we need to take and what can be discarded. I will take each small step as it comes.
These questions are something to consider as I encounter new ways of teaching, record keeping, scheduling, even route to work. I am overwhelmed by the changes that are about to occur. But the questions are a boat to look for when I am tossing about unable to see land or air.
Nancy Madrigal’s response:
ReplyDeletehttp://web.me.com/nmadrigal/EDM_613_Madrigal_Nancy_Blog/Week_3/Entries/2011/6/14_Wk3_Reading__Freedom_of_the_Mind.html
This weeks reading has opened my mind to a different paradigm of thinking. I know it sounds cliche' Melany, but everything happens for a reason. I know that your situation is only going to get better. The reading stated that we must embrace situations because they are already in effect. We can’t do anything about certain things except prepare for the next step. My parents would always tell me this saying in Spanish, in which I shall translate. Keep in mind, that words do get lost in translation, nevertheless, it goes like this: There is no bad for good to come. Okay, that was a real bad translation. What the saying means is that when bad comes; the only thing that will follow is good. So how do I apply that in daily living? I, as stated in my blog, look for the light, because where there is a shadow, there’s a light.
Thanks for being honest and sincere, I hope that it all works out for you because the kids need a great teacher as yourself. (don’t forget rule number six)
Hey Melany,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your school was shut down. Remember chapter 7 The Way Things Are is perfect for your situation. Deal with what your have and see what you can make out of it. You are a great teacher with fantastic ideas. You truly want to help students learn and while use any technology necessary for that to happen. I do wish you luck with everything that is going to change in the up coming school year. Remember make the best of the situation.