10/2: Launch of the PTP Cohort

Deciding to leave the classroom after seven years of teaching English, a content area near and dear to my heart, was a difficult choice. Embarking on a new career as an Instructional Technology Facilitator or Ed Coach was a scary decision. Being at the cross roads as an educator and deciding which path was the best one to take that would allow me to make the biggest difference was a necessary decision. 

Learning Poetry in the Elements with AP 12

Many people asked me, "Why would you make this change?" Or said, "I cannot believe you are leaving the classroom at the peak of your career." Or better yet, "What about those kids you taught? You know, the ones you taught to read. Who will teach them?" All of these are valid questions, and from the outside looking in, I may appear to be a crazy person for leaving the classroom as the reigning Teacher of the Year, but from the inside it's all about perspective. 

I made this decision to change the path of my career at a very pivotal moment for me as a teacher who had come to a crossroads in my career. In my first seven years, I had taught all levels of English from remedial reading to AP English 12 and everything in between. I had led numerous workshops on the importance of reading and writing across the content areas, how to integrate technology into one's classroom instruction, and developing pedagogy, but I felt like I had even more to offer. 

As a teacher who was willing to try almost anything to "reach my students", and one who always went the extra mile to reinvent or change my lessons on the fly if they weren't working, I saw a great deal of success and learned a lot along the way. I felt by transferring into a position that would allow me to work with all types of teachers, students, and content areas, I would be able to reach more kids than just those who I had for 90 minutes a day. Did I make the right choice? I hope so, but only time will tell. Do I think I can make a difference in my new position much like I did in the classroom? I do. However, I know in this new role my successes will come by leading those from behind the scenes and by fostering and empowering my fellow colleagues to take chances in the classroom to improve overall student engagement and success. 

Having a Hand in Shaping Students Makes the Job!

I am very happy to be a part of leading this inaugural PTP cohort. I really feel this is the key to building empowered  leaders in our school. I am excited to get in the trenches with these teachers and learn how to make our school the place that breeds the minds of the future. I'm looking forward to the wonderful opportunities that will come out of a working environment such as this.