Education: A Never-Ending Sea of Change
In school, change is a given. Whether we are talking about curriculum, approach to student learning, involuntary or voluntary transfers, or even resignations. Charles Darwin said it best when he said,
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” -Charles Darwin
Education is full of changes, both controllable and uncontrollable. You have two options when it comes to change. You can become cynical and resentful, and it will impact your work and the students you teach, not to mention your health. Or you can embrace change, find the silver lining, and become an:
I have been working for a school district for going on 10 years now. I have worked as a tutor, teacher, teacher in charge, and recently an instructional math coach. The area has given me some opportunities to advance professionally for which I am grateful. I have also met in the community many colleagues that have been influential in molding me to what kind of educator and leader I am today. I have exhausted all that I want to do within this district and feel the need to impact kids somewhere different, somewhere new, with more support and opportunities for advancement in leadership.
Leadership in education is not an easy task and comes with many responsibilities; however, I have felt that nudge/ tap on the shoulder, from colleagues, but more importantly from God. I believe I can and will be an exceptional leader that values and invests in people, supports staff, and increases achievement through data-driven, research-proven methods.
With support from colleagues and family, my future brings me to the great state of Tennessee. I have accepted a position and can’t wait to impact the Chattanooga community, families, and students! I am very excited about infusing project-based learning as one of the many instructional strategies to get kids moving and excited. I am also happy to share my expertise in the area of data-driven professional learning communities to impact change.
Going back to change.
One of the most challenging aspects with a significant change like this is finding a home, making new friends, a new school for my girls, as well as a new church. Although it would be easy to become anxious and overwhelmed, I must and will remember this:
As Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Embracing change opens doors to new possibilities and new friendships. I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know new fellow colleagues and administrators within the Chattanooga area.
Life is a journey, and the bends in the road are not the end of the road unless you refuse to take the turn. Embrace change and growth will be much more enjoyable. Whether there are little changes to your life or significant changes like mine, we all can choose how we will react to it. We may not be able to control change, but we can control how we adapt to it.
I look forward to writing about my continued journey in education. Remember to be positive, value all relationships. Be the person that lifts others up around you.
I will leave you with this picture:
Engage Students. Make Learning Real 