Before I begin, thanks to Kheli and Christy for the cute title idea! LOL
First of all, I cannot believe it's been nearly a year since I last blogged. Guess I must have been very busy the past few months! Whatever!
Since tomorrow begins a new school year, year 12 for me, I thought it was the perfect time to blog about something dear to my heart, something that stresses me out on a daily basis, something that I've shed tears over, something that keeps me up at night, something I pray about often..............public education.
As I've said before, I have wanted to be a teacher since I was about five. Truth be told, it's probably been longer than that. I was fortunate to have some great teachers over the years. My first teacher I'd have to say was my Grandma Sanchez - who taught me the most important things - discipline and love. I was also fortunate to attend Jack and Jill and remember Mrs. Boulianne and Mrs. Becker being so kind and giving. I remember them bringing homemade decorated birthday cakes to my house. I can't forget Mrs. Cindy Martin and Mrs. Brak who were always so caring (and look the exact same today btw). I am honored to work with them at JCW today.
Then there were some awesome teachers in NISD over the years - Mrs. Duncan (who I saw today at Brookshire Bros.), Mrs. Ayres, Mrs. Cynthia Todd (who I wanted to be and I absolutely loved my 5th grade year with and my first job was in 5th grade because I loved it so), Mrs. Debbie Crawford-Simpler (who I wish I could find and meet up with - I've searched for her over the years - she was amazing), Ms. Kathy Day (duh), Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Dorsey (duh), Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Alley, Mrs. Pocaterra, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Knapp (loved her!!), Mrs. Heathcott, Mrs. Rohsner, Mrs. Leach (I never had her - but I watched her every chance I could and learned so much from her), Mrs. Towns, Ms. Colson................I could name more and more - and I'm sure I left many out. But Jesus knows they are in my heart! lol
Teaching is SO much more different than it was 12 years ago! Texas laws from Austin have changed it in many ways, admin changes over the years have changed it in many ways - some for the good, some NOT! Sometimes I feel like a robot, just going through the motions of what I have to do - sometimes the creativity is not as easy to implement as it once was.
I am very lucky to work for a great leader in Mr. Murray (and I don't kiss butt, so I ain't lyin' when I say what I say lol) - he is the absolute BEST communicator there is. He makes sure our school and classrooms are neat, organized, and taken care of. I can't say that about other schools that I've seen lately. I have worked for weak people in the past. Some that frankly have no business in leadership roles. Many times I wonder how some people get the jobs and paychecks they do. Lucky for us, those people have moved on. I was told by veteran teachers "don't worry about anything - we will be here long after they are gone". And boy were they right!
Someone I spoke with a few days ago mentioned how we go through years of being "top heavy" in certain spots - I can see where this is true. Not sure we need so many people in certain positions. But I'm not the boss (although I'd love to make changes, point fingers, etc. - I know that those jobs are way bigger than I ever want to try). Besides, I love kids. I've said before, I don't love adults! Kids are so innocent - and honest - adults are often the opposite.
This past year was a struggle for me - mostly on a personal level. I've lost respect for some people that I never thought I would. Makes my heart hurt, especially when I've fought many battles defending them over the years. It has definitely been a lesson learned and I am glad I have seen true colors come out - for that I am glad. Many people have said they would never work in a district they lived in. This year I can see where that would be true. However, I am a product of NISD, and I LOVE seeing my ex-students in town (like I did today when one hugged me so hard and told me she missed me, then followed me to my car and screamed with open arms "I will ALWAYS love you"!!) Those are moments I live for, and if I didn't live here I would have missed that experience! I will not give up on MY district, MY community, MY kids! As I am reminded often - I am working for those kids, not for those adults! Very true - and that's what gets me through my struggles.
There is not always bad times - there are some damn great times!!! I have had notes from parents, parents literally crying as they thank me, students from 12 years ago who hug me and their face lights up when they see me, and many parents who still stay in contact with me today. I spend some time with those kids outside of school. Those are the moments I live for - the moments where outsiders who have come in and tried changing things don't matter! The moments where MY kids and community make me so glad I am a teacher for NISD.
I do realize that I am able to make changes in one way - school board in my future???? Perhaps! And maybe that will be sooner than later. LOL
Anyway - as we begin a fresh new school year - I pray for all teachers, students, and parents. NONE of these three roles are easy! I pray that I make good choices for my students this year and teach them the best way I know how. I pray my family forgives me for being gone too much - because I devote so much time to those kids I love. I pray all children get great teachers who motivate and inspire them. I pray that our leaders motivate us. I pray for our retired teachers and those who have moved out of NISD. Unfortunately we have lost some amazing educators........which saddens me. But God knows what He's doing, and I will let Him do his job, and pray that he helps me do mine :)
