For the love of blogging...

I am SO in love with blogging. I am also so thankful for my sweet friend Tenille for just simply asking, in a very nonthreatening way :), to be a part of the Slice of Life Challenge. Without even thinking what might happen, I jumped right in and never looked back. I believe this experience has made me a better writer. Well, maybe not better, more reflective. I appreciate a lot about my profession in ways I haven't before. Here are some examples...
1. The last few days I have spent a ridiculous amount of time assessing how I feel about our state assessments. I have decided that I am going to appreciate them for what they are: a snapshot of a moment in time. Are they imperfect? Absolutely. But guess what, so am I. So is everyone that I can think of. It isn't ideal, but it is what it is...
2. I appreciate the test writers. Here is why. They are people. They are doing the best they can. If I were in their shoes, I would hate my job. The funny thing is this. We (teachers) get so upset when we have parents who belittle us or say mean and rude things to us, but so often during the testing season, we turn around and do it to our fellow educators who are trying their best to write something that may be flawed, but the best they have to offer.
3. I appreciate my school more than I every dreamed I did. That sounds like a given to anyone who knows anything about Hawk Elementary. It is the most amazing campus I could hope to be a member of. (Yes, I know I ended with a preposition) My colleagues are learners; my administrators are warriors; my families are amazing; and my students are daredevils.
4. My teammate is the best teaching partner I could hope to have. She is thoughtful, funny, smart as a whip, and truly caring for all of our students, past, present and future. I didn't really have to be reflective on this one. I have known it for the 4 years we have worked together sharing those students and creating good citizens, kind humans, and well educated kids!
5. My Do the Write Thing team makes me laugh and challenges me to think more deeply about my instruction and be more reflective on my practices and what I truly believe to be what is in the best interest of my students and my fellow educators. I am constantly reflecting on the time I spend in their company. Having rich conversation is what helps me to learn and grow to be better.

That's a lot! I guess what I am getting around to is to say that I don't think I will quit my blog after midnight tonight. I find this platform as a really great space for me to share my thinking, imperfect as it is, and be accountable to myself, my family, my school, and my community. This month has ROCKED!

Sincerely,
Tara Reed