Change

Change is everywhere. Merriam-Webster's definition of change is "to become different." We choose on a daily basis to either remain the same and stay the course or make a change. It is not always easy to make a change and after the change is made you envision your life being better for it. Change is progress. Change is growth. Change is something that happens when you want to move forward from where you are right now.

I recently was hired on at South Tama Middle School to become their 7th grade Social Studies for the 2016-17 school year. I am very excited for the opportunity to teach a group of students that I am very passionate about and feel as though my best work is done with the middle school age students. South Tama is a bigger district where I will only be responsible for teaching 7th grade students, a big difference from having three different grade levels as well as some elective courses at English Valleys. I hope to also be able to do some coaching once the dust settles and I begin my new position.

Many people, especially students, have asked why I am making this change from EV to South Tama and the truth is that there is no simple answer as to why. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at EV but I also realize that going to school that is bigger allows me to focus my time and energy on one subject and grade level instead of three or four. As it is a bigger school there may be more opportunities both in the community and in the school district. I have also decided to make this change as I believe it to be the best for me and my family. 

I picked the Merriam-Webster definition of change because I believe it to be a unique way to define it. When I see "to become different" I view it as something that is changing the way I am. In that regard, I do not see this move as a change because I will still be the same teacher with the same views and expectations. I will continue to be passionate and excited about education. I will continue to do goofy things like #CelebrateMonday as well as fun projects and culture-building activities in my classroom. Really the noticeable change will be in the location as it will be in South Tama instead of North English. 

Finally, the greatest change I believe will be the people that I am surrounded by on a daily basis. I have met some incredible students, colleagues, and community members over these last two years that have made my time here very enjoyable. Just yesterday my Junior High students threw a going away party of sorts where they brought a cake and drinks to celebrate these last two years. I have been given notes written by students as well as numerous thank you's and high-fives. You never realize how much of a difference you have made until after something like this happens. 

I am proud of everything I was able to accomplish over these past two years but also realize that I have plenty more growing and learning left to do. Change, to me, is the idea of never settling for anything other than excellence. I will continue to do that at my next stop in South Tama. 

Until next time...be a light!

-Derek

Appreciation

This last week was the annual Teacher Appreciation Week across the nation. Facebook and Twitter were filled with posts about how appreciative we are about the work that teachers, paraeducators, etc... do for the children in our society. Treats were given by PTOs, local businesses/organizations, and lunches were even provided by our JR/SR High principal on Friday. All in all a successful week of appreciating what educators do for kids. 

The idea of appreciation is an interesting one. Appreciation can be defined as "the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something." We have many "appreciation" or "recognition" days throughout the year for different professions, jobs, etc... around the world including ones for the health fields, administrative professions, and the list goes on. 

What struck me as odd is that in all of the appreciation days that we celebrate throughout the year there is really nothing designated to celebrating those that we as educators serve on a daily basis, our students. Sure districts, buildings, teachers, and so on can choose to recognize and appreciate those students on a regular basis but how consistent is that really in our schools today. Are we recognizing and appreciating our students like we should for all of the wonderful things they do on a daily basis? This whole idea of appreciation allowed me time to reflect on my own practices of student appreciation and I have come to the conclusion that is an area I see that I need to grow in. 

With that being said I have decided to make it a personal goal of mine to personally recognize 1-2 students every day for something positive they have done to influence me. Wait...students can influence us as educators? The answer is most definitely yes. I've always known that my students have an impact on my life but never really have taken the time up until now to make it a priority to recognize it. Below I have taken the time to recognize a few students that have really impacted my life in a positive way over the past several weeks.

1. An 8th-grade boy in my US History class is typically a struggling learner and this year has been no different. We have been working on a Leadership project by looking at US Presidents and defining their leadership ability and students have had the choice to create a website to demonstrate their learning or they could create a 3D memorial using the 123D Design iPad app. This particular student decided to make a 3D memorial and while I was hesitant at first I have been amazed at his ability to really make the project his own. He has done so well that he has actually been asked by other classmates to help them with their 3D project. It is truly remarkable to see the light shine so bright on this student and it has been a humbling experience.

2. This week with my Guided Study group (GS is another term for our MTSS/RtI time) decided that we were going to do something special for our Spirit Assembly, a Teacher Appreciation awards ceremony. The students spearheaded the idea and made certificates as well as handed out 100 grand candy bars with a note that read "you work so hard every day, you deserve 100K." Probably the most humbling aspect of the experience was the fact that we sent out a survey at the beginning of the week through Google Forms asking students to nominate a teacher that had positively impacted their lives while here at EV and explain why. We were able to get 135 responses in this survey and some of the answers were truly amazing. During the ceremony, as teachers were called to the stage, my Guided Study group read some of the responses that students had posted about each teacher. I don't know about other teachers but it got me jacked up and reenergized to finish out the year strong.

These are just two examples of many ways that my students influence me on a daily basis. I challenge everyone who reads this blog to take time out of your next school day to reflect on how the students you are inspiring are also positively impacting you. I also challenge you to let those students know how they have impacted you and how much they matter to you. I think it will be a truly amazing experience.

I hope everyone has a great week and as the late, great Rita Pierson stated..."every child deserves a champion."

Until next time...be a light!
Derek