It's been a while since I posted a TT. I decided that I should play along today so I can tell you THIRTEEN Reasons I have worked in the same school for nine years:1. I LOVE working with struggling students. It's so neat to know that you can make a difference in their lives. I especially love it when the lightbulbs of learning flash in their minds.
2. Three of my children have gone to school here. DS attended 4th grade there my first year. DS 3 attended all of his elementary school grades there. DS 4 is bringing up the rear as he has been here from K - 3 so far. (The photo on the right shows us at the annual Sock Hop a few years ago.)
3. I have a GREAT working relationship with my Administrators and my team. I know I spoke about some of our "dirty laundry" yesterday, but I am SO BLESSED to work with people who really CARE about kids and learning.
4. We have some of the BEST teachers on the planet working in my school. I get to travel to other schools and I am always amazed at just how fortunate our kids really are. This place is FILLED with great learning environments that hook kids.5. We have FUN at my school. Whether it's a Spring Carnival, an Awards Assembly or the Plays our kids do, we know how to have fun along with learning.
6. We value reading. I know most schools would say they really do value reading, but books are one of the most important things here. They are everywhere. Our children cannot escape favorite authors and books. They KNOW that it's important.
7. There is collaboration and shared decision-making at all levels.
8. I have made life-long friends with teachers on our staff. I think this is huge. Having people who know you beyond your "teaching life" is important.
9. We have a great awards program and arts focus. Our kids get recognized quarterly for their academic accomplishments. It's nice to be able to celebrate when they grow and improve. Our arts program works to include so many of our kids in a variety of ways.
10. We ARE closing the achievement gap that we hear so much about.
11. I get to spend my days doing what I love...teaching kids and adults about reading.
12. We have received many many awards and honors including one this year from the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Some of our students will get to perform there this Spring as a result. {The mural to the left is one of several that were created by primary students. It is made of ceramic tiles and adorns the walls in one of our primary buildings.)13. Overall I think it's a community, a true place of learning and caring where kids can thrive in their younger years. I love our school motto: We Try, We Learn, We Succeed!
2 comments:
I wonder, in your 9 years at this school, how many lives you personally have touched in a positively LIFE CHANGING way. I bet it's LOTS! I bet a lot of kids REMEMBER Mrs. Susan when they are all grown up. You do gOOd work girl! I guess that's why you're part of such a great TEAM! :)
You are SO FORTUNATE. I haven't yet worked in a school (well, not one in particular. I was a substitute teacher for a few months and worked at LOTS of schools,) but from what I've seen in the schools I've subbed in and done college coursework in, there are a lot of schools with horrible administrations and petty meanness amongst the staff.
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