| Chance brought us all together, the experience changed each of us, and choices will move me along in this journey. Chance has its fingers in everything we do. Each of us is surrounded by amazing teachers doing amazing things for our students every day. How we interact with our students, colleagues, and stakeholders is what made us State Teachers of the Year, but we also know that chance was there too! It was by chance that we were brought together this past week. It was not by chance though, that our class has built this team, built trusting relationships, and built a professional network that strengthens and celebrates our profession. We are deliberate in our pursuit to shape education in our classrooms, our districts, our communities and specifically for our future generations. Change is something I embrace. It isn’t always easy, but change keeps me thinking, reflecting and growing as a learner, as a teacher, and as a person. This past week changed me in new ways. I learned about struggles that teachers are experiencing across America and how they are advocating for change. I learned the positive impact social media can have in the classroom for students and for teachers. These amazing educators showed me that our profession is diverse with many challenges, and that there is still so much more to learn. It is a humbling experience to be surrounded by greatness and wonder if you are doing enough. Change has focused me to set new goals, to learn more, and to share freely. Choice comes with options, and it is not always clear what choice is right to make, especially at that moment. Right now, choice is mine as how to move forward. Choice is mine to decide the path that provides challenges, new learning experiences, and avenues to share that journey within my profession. Choice is mine to make connections, to reach out to other professionals, and to celebrate being a learner and a teacher. I choose to follow a path that embraces these choices. What I loved most about this experience were the friendships built and the family we became. Chance brought us all together, the experience changed each of us, and choices will move me along in this journey. | |