I had two pretty unique opportunities for collaboration this week, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them! Throughout my life, I have really struggled with confidence, and I think part of that is because I have been overlooked many times. I'm a quiet person, and, just in general, people aren't willing to put in the effort to truly get to know quiet people. Here's something though: quiet people can be awesome people if you give them a chance! This week, I was given the chance to be awesome and it feels really great!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be on an interview team during my district's site visit by the state department of education. It was a 12-member team and we represented the general education aspect of our district. We answered questions about how we are meeting our district's mission, how we use technology, how we help students with academic needs, how we address bullying, and what goes we have for our district (among others).
Most teachers groan at the idea of being on one of these interview teams. I, of course, am such a nerd, and I get excited. We met a few weeks ago to brainstorm answers to the questions, and it was thrilling to hear about what the other teachers in our district do. It really pushed me to think about my teaching too - about the things I'm doing well and the things I could be doing better.
During the actual interview, I answered three of the questions. Going into the interview with teachers who have been with the district for many years was intimidating. How could I be certain what I had to say was useful, important, and a good representation of the school? I pushed myself to go for it though, I shared a few things, and I'm glad I did.
Today, we only had students for a half-day and the rest was focused on professional development. My principal asked me on Sunday if I would be willing to talk about my sea animal project to the staff during our PD time. I, very gladly, accepted. There is nothing more exciting to me than sharing how awesome my students are! (Side note: My students are so proud of their books. I put the finishing touches on them this morning and had them sitting at their tables when they arrived - covers laminated and pages bound. Their first words were, "Mrs. Hansen, our books are finished!" I love their enthusiasm. We have been practicing reading them to each other, and I just love to watch them!)
Being asked to share about the experience validates me in many, many ways. It is nice to know that I am contributing something worth sharing!
It's Wednesday, and I'm ridiculously content. Here's to a great ending to a great week!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be on an interview team during my district's site visit by the state department of education. It was a 12-member team and we represented the general education aspect of our district. We answered questions about how we are meeting our district's mission, how we use technology, how we help students with academic needs, how we address bullying, and what goes we have for our district (among others).
Most teachers groan at the idea of being on one of these interview teams. I, of course, am such a nerd, and I get excited. We met a few weeks ago to brainstorm answers to the questions, and it was thrilling to hear about what the other teachers in our district do. It really pushed me to think about my teaching too - about the things I'm doing well and the things I could be doing better.
During the actual interview, I answered three of the questions. Going into the interview with teachers who have been with the district for many years was intimidating. How could I be certain what I had to say was useful, important, and a good representation of the school? I pushed myself to go for it though, I shared a few things, and I'm glad I did.
Today, we only had students for a half-day and the rest was focused on professional development. My principal asked me on Sunday if I would be willing to talk about my sea animal project to the staff during our PD time. I, very gladly, accepted. There is nothing more exciting to me than sharing how awesome my students are! (Side note: My students are so proud of their books. I put the finishing touches on them this morning and had them sitting at their tables when they arrived - covers laminated and pages bound. Their first words were, "Mrs. Hansen, our books are finished!" I love their enthusiasm. We have been practicing reading them to each other, and I just love to watch them!)
Being asked to share about the experience validates me in many, many ways. It is nice to know that I am contributing something worth sharing!
It's Wednesday, and I'm ridiculously content. Here's to a great ending to a great week!