There is a look that I am coming to know. It is a look of surprise and then shifts to understanding and it happens on the face of teachers I know when I tell them I am starting work as a K-5 tech integration specialist.
The surprise is earned, I have been teaching for 11 years in middle-high school. Although I have taught Math and Photography (B+W darkroom as well as digital), I have spent most of my teaching days with English Language Arts.
This morning I start at the new school, and I am nervous. I am excited. I am about to explode with the awesomeness that is about to happen with this job. I know it will be a process of getting to know new teachers and kids and I am looking forward to both. I feel like there is so much of myself (and my puppets) that I can bring to this position. I am writing this post now because I need to put a pin in this moment of time, the roller coaster is climbing the first hill. I can hear the chain ratcheting up and I know the plunge is coming.
I will be writing more in detail about my choice to move and the process. Have you ever made a major shift in your career? What lead you to do it? What advice would you have for me as I step into the awesome world of elementary ed?
The surprise is earned, I have been teaching for 11 years in middle-high school. Although I have taught Math and Photography (B+W darkroom as well as digital), I have spent most of my teaching days with English Language Arts.
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| Photo by Farm4 on Flickr |
I will be writing more in detail about my choice to move and the process. Have you ever made a major shift in your career? What lead you to do it? What advice would you have for me as I step into the awesome world of elementary ed?
Comments
I made the same change two years ago, in the opposite direction. I had been teaching at the elementary level for fourteen years, and then was a teacher specialist for two. Then, two years ago, I became an Instructional Specialist for Special Education at the Secondary Level. While my supervisors believed in me (they hired me, after all!), and many of my colleagues were supportive, others raised their eyebrows.
The first few months were challenging, much like that quick plunge down the roller coaster that you described. It was a huge learning curve, but I learned so much about myself as and educator and a leader. Most importantly, I learned that students deserve the best of me every day, whether I was feeling confident or not. I learned that good instruction is the same, whether students are big or small. And I learned that students, parents, and teachers didn't care if I had started out as an elementary teacher, as long as I was there to be a champion for their child, just as Rita Pierson reminded us each to do everyday.
I don't think you need advice as you step into the awesome world of elementary education, Sam. You've already taken the important first step. Just hang on tightly, enjoy the ride, and be sure to tell us all about it. Oh, and enjoy!