I Got Something to Sell You!

Although we have been asked to use our blog space to write about issues that we are discussing in our class, I have to take the opportunity to sell you on something.  That's right--I got a little somethin', somethin' to convince you of.

 Several years ago I realized that my teaching was becoming a bit rote--something I swore would never happen.  I realized I was teaching the same stories, relying on the same assessments, and generally finding that the creativity that is so often involved in teaching was beginning to disappear.  I wasn't challenging myself to the extent I did early in my career and I began to become a bit concerned.

I remember early in my career I thought I would change the world for the kids I taught.  I know, it's idealistic and probably unrealistic, but I like existing in that place.  Reality is way too overrated.  I thought if I cared enough and was passionate enough about what I taught, kids' lives would be changed.  But then the daily grind (after years of teaching) began to set in and the passionate fire started to become a semi-passionate ember.  It was time, I realized, to do something drastic.

So, I signed up to participate in the National Board Certified Teacher program.  The thought of videotaping my lessons and having some "expert" view them scared the bejeesus out of me.  How was I going to convince a panel of experts that I knew how to teach in both large and small groups, knew how to lead a discussion, and could prove that I knew how to grade and provide students with comments that enabled them to grow intellectually?  I couldn't even think about the professional growth section of the standards--it just seemed too overwhelming.

Aha, being scared to death was just the feeling I was looking for!  Being scared is a good thing, as long as you end up surviving the experience.  And I did.  I spent a year working with the phenomenal folks at the K-12 center, as well as with a group of teachers from my district.  It wasn't easy, that's for sure.  There were plenty of late nights, weekends, and holidays spent on my entries. A few tears, too. I started in a class of twenty-four in my district and five of us finished the program.  Two of us achieved National Board status.  It was, by far, the most difficult and rewarding journey I have taken as a teacher.  And here's why:

Teaching should make us grow.  Always.  When we become complacent and, perhaps, even comfortable, it's time to shake things up.  It's why we work on master's degrees and why we challenge ourselves with classes like this--so we can utilize technology in our classrooms and not be left behind.  The National Board process allows you to grow in ways that I had not even imagined.  I was inspired by what I saw other teachers do in their classrooms, the camraderie was invigorating, and it was a true reality check to ask myself why I do what I do in my classroom.  The self reflection, I believe, has made me a much better, and more passionate teacher.  Today, two years after undergoing the National Board process, I know I am a better teacher than I have ever been.  I reflect after each lesson, because, well, that's what the National Board process teaches you to do. And after I reflect, I search for ways to make my lessons better.

 I am back to feeling that I can change the lives of my kids and that's a good feeling.  Do I think I am a good teacher? Yes, I have to or I could never enter my classroom and ask kids to trust me with their education.  Great?  Hmm....I'd like to say yes, but I probably am not.  I know there are many teachers, both Nationally Board Certified and not, that are much, much better teachers.  But I do know this: the journey of National Boards allowed me to be the best I can be--something I ask my students to strive for every day.  It's good to practice what I teach and to know that always, I must search for ways to be a little better today than I was yesterday.  National Boards allowed me to do that.

  So, my advice?  Check it out.  It just may be exactly what you are looking for!