Mentor. As I say the word aloud there are immediate images that appear in my mind. I even feel a slight nervous flutter that often accompanies my anxiety when I’m taking a risk or starting something new. It’s not a bad feeling, especially when I know I’m not stepping into the unknown alone. I can still visualize the calm, reassuring  smile of my very first teacher mentor as  we would sit across the table and plan lessons or problem solve. She seemed to always know what to say and never made me feel I was interrupting her work or asking a dumb question. I know I thanked her a thousand times, but I don’t know if she ever really knew how thankful I really was for her patience , kindness, and generosity in sharing her wealth of resources and knowledge- but most of all for her friendship and believing in me . I have had other mentors across the years who each shared their expertise and our relationships often varied. Each adding to my foundation of knowledge and continued growth as a teacher and professional.  Inspiring me to mentor others in return.

So -now fast forward 20 + years to 2018 and via Twitter I read about Noa Daniels and Leigh Cassell amazing  #OEMConnect Mentors  project. A virtual mentoring program that connects Canadian preservice teachers to experienced teachers and experts in all grade levels and content areas through a Digital Human Library. WOW! First, I am blown away someone had this creative idea and secondly,  that they were able to follow through and make it a reality. So I did what I normally do- I proceeded to stalk them on Twitter. Which I faithfully did until a couple of months ago,when Noa invited me, an American teacher,  to join their pool of Mentors! NEW ADVENTURES- NEW CHALLENGES- GROWTH OPPORTUNITY– of course I said yes, after I cried in humility. What an honor! I have submitted my Mentor profile and now I wait- hoping to be lucky enough to be selected as someone’s’ mentor.

I kind of feel like I’m back in High School  gym class waiting to be selected for someone’s team- but this time I’m doing the  “Pick me! Pick me!” dance…and so I wait … to be continued. Meanwhile, Check out the Digital Human Library https://www.digitalhumanlibrary.org and  Learn more about  OnEDConnectMentors on Noas’ blog  https://www.buildingoutsidetheblocks.com

2019 – Intentionality

My #oneword for 2019 is intentionality.

I have tried to stay focused this year and work “within my lane.”  I have many partnerships and many overlapping tasks that often make that difficult. For that reason,  I feel that it is essential to be very intentional in all I do and say with regards to students, teacher supports and even in my own personal life – so that each area reflects a clear purpose. 

Just to be clear- I have a confession. Once I reached 30 years of service in education,  I stopped counting the years. I know this year will be late 30 something and probably closer to 40 years than I’d like to admit.  Despite the aches and pains and inability to sit criss-cross applesauce on the floor any longer, I really don’t feel old and no, I’m not ready to retire. It’s not that I think I’m too good either-its the exact opposite-I’m still not as good as I want to be. I still believe teaching is one of the greatest professions and that it is a privilege and great responsibility to be a part of impacting so many lives.

Every year there are more and more ridiculous requirements, while in contrast there are more advancements in technology plus the unpredictable challenges that we now face in reaching a diverse and unique population of students. These are the points that motivate me to keep learning, growing and improving my practices.

My Twitter and Facebook PLN connections have also provided deeper and more relevant PD than I have ever experienced. The connections I have made through Twitter alone over the past 4 years have played a valuable role in helping me to stay motivated, engaged and informed.

I want to thank John Seidlitz and the representatives of his amazing team of specialist who have educated, motivated and inspired me – Carol Salvo, Dr. Lara, Nancy Motley, Michelle Yzquierdo – thank you all for your dedication and hard work and your generous gift of time and knowledge to me and thousands of more educators. You are our rock!

To Noa Daniels- the most creative and innovative teacher I have not yet had the privilege to meet- you voice beams with joy and that makes me happy. I love you and your passion for inquiry learning and thinking outside the box. You are the kind of teacher I always wanted to be or work side by side with. ( FYI- My playlist keeps changing,  so I guess it’s a good thing I’m not BIG enough to be on your show- but I am listening!)

To Emily Francis  and Tan Huynh  your stories and lives are a testimony to the strength of human spirit -and your dedication and commitment to EL students and education are truly inspiring. I wonder if you realize how much you impact the lives of those you come in contact with? I feel blessed to be a part of this PLN circle.

There are so many others that I plan to highlight and intentionally thank as the weeks progress. For now, as I begin this new year and blogging journey-  know that my heart is overflowing with gratitude for many reasons. 

Welcome to my brand new blog at Edublogs! This has been a personal goal for the past several years and 2019 seems to be the year to do it!  Join me in this journey of self reflection, learning and living.