Nothing lasts forever. I knew that when I took my position as a literacy coach. Literacy coaching was a fairly new concept when I was hired 10 years ago. Resources for coaches were limited. In many ways, my colleagues and I were pioneers. We didn't have much else but each other. It was supposed to be a 3 year gig and then back to the classroom. And the deal was that when and if coaches were eliminated, we didn't have a choice of grade level or school to return to. We had to go where there was an opening. None of us became literacy coaches because we saw it as a stepping stone to administration. None of us were trying to escape difficult teaching assignments. We took the position because we felt it was a learning opportunity too valuable to pass up. Becoming a literacy coach was like jumping off a cliff. None of us knew what we were getting into or where we would land. We had to invent ourselves along the way and continued to reinvent ourselves every year after that. It has been a heck of a ride. My position hasn't been eliminated but our district is in the midst of many changes. I feel a bit like a bobbing cork. The only thing I know for sure is that wherever I land, there will be kids to teach.
Pioneering is a great way to learn and stay engaged. Sounds like jumping off the cliff has been very rewarding for you and I am sure those that you help. At our school we no longer have literacy coaches but we are visiting each other's classrooms to observe and then discuss what we see. It is fun to see how many different ways lessons can be delivered and still work!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI am amazed and thrilled by your attitude and I wish you didn't have to be on the brink or that most of the budget cuts on the federal level have focused on literacy. How can that be? I am heartsick.
So like Wanda I applaud you!
Bonnie
I am in the same boat as you. Great analogy of showing your feelings...like a cork bobbing. Expresses my feelings exactly. Your post has so mirrors my own experience!
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective on your situation. I'm a similar position but our jobs have been eliminated for next year. Am in the middle of looking for something new- I just have to keep remembering that where ever I land, there will be kids to teach! Thanks for this important reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this line: "We had to invent ourselves along the way and continued to reinvent ourselves every year after that."
ReplyDeleteThank you for your positive attitude.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Ruth
Great title, it made me really curious about your slice. I think that's great that you said that you went into literacy coaching to learn something new. It must have been difficult at times, since you were pioneering a new position. However, it must have been well worth it if you are still doing it now!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be great if state administrators would read our posts? They need to see the love and devotion as you have for your profession.
ReplyDeleteWhat a positive outlook you have! The kids will be lucky to get you if that is what happens. I love the image of the bobbing cork, by the way. Our district is also undergoing cuts and changes and the cork analogy is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI hear in your post that you are anxious, but also you seem to be focusing on the right thing, the students. If you do return to the classroom, remember all the skills you have learned in these years that you can use, & try out. Your students will be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great title you chose for your post. It summarizes how teachers feel with the challenges faced each day.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow diver, literally, you have expressed it all perfectly. Through it all the most important piece, the kids, have always been our priority.
ReplyDeleteWe have learned, laughed, and grown in indescribable ways. As an educator, as well as an individual, it has been an unbeatable opportunity.
Think of all that you have learned and experienced over the course of the last 10 years! And your positive attitude: The only thing I know for sure is that wherever I land, there will be kids to teach. (Favorite line by the way!!!) Here's more good news: Whatever happens, you have an abundance of friends and colleagues right here ready to support each and every new path that's available! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour last line, about there always being kids to teach, is the essence of what we do - day in, day out, as coaches or teachers. It's that sentiment which keeps us alive in what is becoming a very difficult profession. Whatever the future for you may be, Diana - it holds children whose lives you will so enrich.
ReplyDeleteWOW! You expressed your feelings so well here. I'm glad you took the dive. I know something great will bob up! Good luck!
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