The Roll Out

I have come to the end of a grueling 6 weeks of professional development - the kids come back on Tuesday.

Although my summer was short it feels like my downtime was months ago.

I began with my Level I Orff training which was one of the most amazing experience I've had in quite some time. I'm pumped to move on to Level II and III; I just hope I can find the money and there are no gaps in time.  I find myself still processing everything and then getting overwhelmed by how many choices I have.  I never knew what a full brain felt like until then.

Immediately after I finished Level I I was attending my new school's Summer Institute as they call it.  This caused more anxiety than I wanted. I was still wondering if I was making the right choice, I was worried about how I would be received as a returning teacher from the school that was being turned around by this new charter.  I can happily say it wasn't what I expected.

Day one was discussion of why we are here, what is happening in the community and where our students stand.  I was re-invigorated, angered that in 10 years there was still so much that needed to be done.  I was angry because I'm truly a part of the community.  I live less than a mile from my school, this is not just a community I serve, the stakes are higher because I live here too.  I also felt the other staff there with me fill with the same kind of energy to move mountains.

I'm in a strange place now as I move into my 10th year teaching and I'm now one of the older teachers in the building, which is unnerving to me but I felt nothing but support and respect from everyone in helping me to hone my skills and in seeking me out to learn about the kids and what led my school to close. It has been a while since I was around such eager teachers and so immediately supportive of each other.

The energy is good.

I have a lot to do in learning the school culture and firm up my skills while building a stronger music curriculum.  It's a lot to do but I'm willing to do it.

There isn't much more for me to say as my mind is going full speed remembering what I need to do for the day tomorrow and get set for the kids on Tuesday.