Elastic Goals

I am very new to this world of central services. As you might have noticed in my "About Me" or in a previous blog post, I was a teacher. A math teacher. A middle school math Teacher. I loved it. In this post, I'm going to talk a little bit about my experiences a teacher and how that led me to my new job as an instructional specialist. 

When I was a Tiger:

During undergrad, I studied math and science with a focus in middle school education. I loved my experiences throughout the middle school program. I was constantly in different middle schools observing, leading activities, teaching mini-lessons, and working with different students. During my student teaching year, I had the opportunity to teach 8 weeks of 7th grade science and 8 weeks of 6th grade math - it was AWESOME. I learned so much from my mentors and the students. Additionally, I don't know how science teachers do it. All the preparation that goes into getting ready for a lab is plenty to do, on top of the work that you already have to do - TEACH. 

Shortest Long-Term Ever:

When I graduated, I got a job in a huge Maryland school system. I was very excited. I've always wanted to be a teacher and here I am! I got hired to teach at a middle school in the middle of school year. Apparently, the previous teacher moved across the country during a holiday break and just... didn't come back. As a result, I was hired for the job as a "long-term sub". I didn't know what that was, but it was paid and connected to my degree. The administrator told me I'd be teaching Algebra 1 and a class called "Math Investigations". I told them it must be a mistake. "I'm middle school certified, not high school certified". I didn't realize Algebra 1 was a middle school course, but I was ready - I loved Algebra when I was in school. Anyways, when I was hired, I was told I would be hired with the intention of having a full-time position for the upcoming school year. EL OH EL. Yea right. That didn't work out. It was sad at first because I was hoping to stay at my first school for at least 5 years. However, someone from another middle school came to visit and observed me. They ended up offering me a job at their middle school. I was thrilled and determined to spend at least 5 years at that school. 

Semi-Permanent: 

At my 2nd middle school, I was able to teach Algebra 1 and Math 8 my first year. I absolutely loved being there. My principal was outstanding, my department leader was extremely helpful, my colleagues were my new homies, and the students had great personalities. Year 1 was my favorite. In Year 2, one of my team leaders went out on maternity leave, so I stepped up and supported the other team leader. I ended up being labeled as "Acting Team Leader". Oooooooooo! Fancy! This was exciting. I got a taste of leadership and what it was like to plan for folks outside of the classroom. I had to consider other teachers, students that were not part of my roster, and administrators. It was a new challenge, but I was happy to have the opportunity to do that. At the end of year 2, I learned that the remaining team leader was heading off to another school to be a content leader. You know what that means? OPEN POSITION! I applied for the team leader position in hopes that my title as "acting" would give me an edge. In Year 3, I was officially a Grade-Level Team Leader. Woo-hoo! My final year at that school was more challenging than any year I've experienced. I won't get into that (today), but it was the year I had to remind myself of my goals: 

1. I want to be a department chair

2. I want to provide positive math experiences that rid folks of the narrative "I hate math"

Well, an opportunity arrived. There was an open position for a content specialist. Content Specialist is a eloquent term for "Department Chair". This county has a way with words. Anyways, I was too afraid to apply for this position. My content specialists was very supportive and reminded me of all the things I've accomplished thus far. She and another administrator shared some encouraging words and made me feel I was ready to apply. I did... I got it! 

Yay, But Now What?

Here I am - at another middle school... on another side of town... Maybe I'll stay HERE for 5 years. I have to. I've been dying to stay at a school for at least 5 years. So far, I've failed. I got the position as a content specialist and it changed me forever. I learned so much in just 1 year. Each administrator taught me something new and held me to very high expectations. I thrive under pressure and they certainly applied the pressure. I had an amazing department of teachers that were just as passionate about math instruction and student achievement. I always said to myself, "I'm never leaving this place". The parents were supportive, the students were eager to learn, and I met some of the best people I've ever worked with ever in my life. Here I am, sitting in the place I've always wanted to be. I've reached "look ma, I'm a department chair" status. However, if this was a long-term goal, what do I do next? Was a I not dreaming big enough? Either way, I was set on giving this school at least 5 years. But, things changed fast. In year one, I learned the job. In year two, I was better prepared - but life happened. I had a baby and was out on maternity leave. I was able to meet my students before I left for maternity leave. It wasn't long after I returned that we were hit with a global pandemic. So year 2 was weird. Then, year 3 was completely virtual until the end. Then, I had to go back on a rotational schedule. Seriously, what is going on? Either way, these experiences prepared me for a different path. 

ELASTIC GOALS

I was terrified at the thought of leaving another school in less than 5 years. On one hand, I have so much to learn and experience before I try something else. I still have room to grow, things to try, and stuff to see through. On the other hand, I have experienced so much in so little time. I have experienced different demographics of staff and students, I've been a team leader, I've worked with all middle school students, I've worked in dramatically changed schedules and settings, I've administered multiple types of assessments, I've led multiple meetings, I... am done talking about myself. You get it, right? All I'm saying is -- WHY NOT? Why no go for it? I can't stick to a position just because I want to stay there for a set amount of time. I have to be somewhere that I feel I can truly make a difference. Well, I chose. I got the position as Instructional Specialist. Now, I have the opportunity to still connect with my previous schools and loop in plenty more. I have the chance to do interdisciplinary work from a curriculum office. I get to focus purely on curriculum and ways to support teachers and leaders to ensure student interest and achievement. I love it here. So far, I'm so glad I was open-minded and ready for the challenge. I'm so happy someone saw that in me and gave me the chance to walk this path. In revisiting my goals, I became a department chair, but I am still working to provide positive math experiences that rid folks of the "I hate math" narrative. I realize that I can keep making goals and changing my path to hit those goals. I don't have to be stuck on a set journey. I didn't originally set out for this position or pathway, but this is where I belong (for now). 

I will end this on a quote from one of my favorites. 

"You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest because that's where you'll find many things more important than what you want" -Ging Freecss (Hunter x Hunter)

Pictured: Ging Freecss (Image taken from Blerd Online)