Hopeful

Water Lily, Getty Villa, Fall 2010


Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ~Nelson Mandela

Change is in the air, I can feel it! I made the decision last fall to return to the world of teaching this year, a world which I love, where I feel that I can make a huge difference. My resume is out there, waiting for someone to look at it and give me the chance to inspire, motivate and challenge young minds.

It was hard to come to this decision, and it will take a great deal of juggling on my part. I have two young children; one with special needs. I am hopeful -- I know that things always have a way of working out for the best.

Luke loves school, so much to the point that he asks to go to school every day, even though he is in a part-time preschool program. Because of this, I know that he is ready to go somewhere full-time. Luke’s language development has sky-rocketed this year. With Tyler, we were not able to have conversations at this age. Luke is very social and opinionated and his voice can be heard in a loud way, whether we want to hear it or not.

Tyler is also a lover of school and is really enjoying being in his Pre-K inclusion program. He is learning so much and is being challenged on a daily basis. I have noticed dramatic changes in him this year, especially with his ability to focus, have conversations and read. These are AMAZING feats and movements in the right direction. I know he will always struggle socially, but I am so excited that he is where he should be (and then some) intellectually. This will help him throughout his school career.

Other than seeing the changes and positive growth in the boys, I have really enjoyed volunteering at Tyler’s school in the library. Maybe this was my inspiration. I have loved working with the students and Mrs. Wallace, although this age group has taken me out of my comfort zone. High school is where I am the most comfortable and with freshman. That may make me seem like a crazy person to some, but it is my forte. I love that age, the awkwardness, the energy, it just fascinates me!

The whole application process was tedious and frustrating at times. Tracking down references, updating my resume, writing letters of interest, filling out online applications and writing short essays was very time consuming and stressful. Things are so different now than they were 12 years ago when I started in my profession. All of these things helped me to be reflective, to think about the teacher I was and the one I aspire to be. With all of the budget shortfalls in local districts, I feel that this may be a greater challenge this year, but I will not let it get me down, I will remain hopeful. I will NOT not settle for second best. If this does not work out, then it was not meant to be. Plan B will then be put into action – Graduate school.

Regardless of what change may come, I am hopeful and content that it will be exactly what I need. Even though I may be in the classroom myself, whether as a teacher or a student, I will never stop advocating for children with special needs, especially my very own little hero.