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Teaching

Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, Anna, Kathleen & Deb for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
I've been
in a classroom
as a teacher
for my students
since the 90s...

It's changed.
Different.
Change is inevitable
And hard.
Change is hard!

More facilitator,
less teacher.
Is that right?

More tools,
More choice,
More freedom...

But
Where do I fit?
What's best?
What's right?
I worry...
What should I do?
Is this ok?

Social media
has given me access to
authors,
 leading educators,
my PLN...

More ideas,
More collaboration,
More comparison.

I worry.
Am I doing my best?
How do I fit it all in?
What's best for my students?
My classroom?
Breathe.
Be authentic.
Admit imperfection.

Ask tough questions...
What do I want my students to learn?
What impact to I want to make?
I want them to be SEEN.
I want to connect with them.
I want them to be readers.
I want them to be writers.
I want them to reach.
I want them to think!
That means I will
continue to learn and
try new tools.
I will read.
I will write.
I will reach.
I will think!
I am
 in the classroom
as a teacher...
for my students
today...
doing my very best.

This year has been a year where I've noticed so many changes in the classroom. I've been struggling to put it into words...so much is different, yet so much is the same. It's hard and wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything. My goal with this poem is be authentic about the struggle and the joy. I hope they both shined through in the lines!

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Comments

  1. JulieanneJanuary 19, 2016 at 8:44 AM

    Oh Michelle! The nuts and bolts are different but you and your passion for your students and the questioning of your practice (a brave and good thing) is probably just gotten more intense. Your expectations are probably higher and you see more. Your kids are so lucky to have you doing your best. That is the best!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda BJanuary 19, 2016 at 2:28 PM

    Erika's post touched on this some, her thoughts about being a lifelong learner & the challenges of questioning about changing how one does things. Your questioning is good, but if you really look at the class, I bet they are doing great, & it is you who have changed, more learning, more questioning. I don't know if something "outward" in your school has changed, more oversight of teachers, etc., but I know from reading all you share that you are such a good teacher and do so much extra for your students.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Terje January 19, 2016 at 3:20 PM

    As we get more experience we probably notice more the challenges, changes, opportunities. Isn't it great that we can continue learning and growing?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Miss MurphyJanuary 19, 2016 at 3:59 PM

    I love the question - where do I fit? It's so true. Education is changing and it's a tough time to be a teacher. Yet, this new role is very rewarding, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Margaret SimonJanuary 19, 2016 at 5:16 PM

    Your dedication to the craft of teaching is evident here. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jennifer LaffinJanuary 19, 2016 at 5:39 PM

    Your poem is the perfect example of how the years have ways of showing us what the days cannot. So beautiful!! Your dedication and love of teaching is inspirational, Michelle!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Leigh Anne EckJanuary 19, 2016 at 8:19 PM

    This is only my 9th year of teaching and I can't believe how much has changed just in that short amount of time. Some good, some bad. But I can't imagine doing anything else but teaching.

    ReplyDelete
  8. TaraJanuary 19, 2016 at 8:51 PM

    Be authentic.
    Admit imperfection.
    Ask tough questions...

    This is, to me, the heart of a teacher's self questioning. And I know that is just this type of thinking that makes you a great teacher, Michelle.

    ReplyDelete
  9. TaraJanuary 19, 2016 at 8:51 PM

    Be authentic.
    Admit imperfection.
    Ask tough questions...

    This is, to me, the heart of a teacher's self questioning. And I know that is just this type of thinking that makes you a great teacher, Michelle.

    ReplyDelete

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