I have been told by a past Superintendent that I tend to "go rogue" and not follow by "the rules". In my own opinion I would say that I tend to push boundaries that need to be pushed (maybe also set those boundaries on fire and dance through them).
I was recently selected as a finalist for Kern County Teacher of the Year, which means that I have the opportunity to apply to be the California Teacher of the Year, and if selected, could even be considered to be the National Teacher of the Year. It would be an absolute lie to say that I am not interested, invested, and hopeful of a win, but I may have just ruined my chance. I just can't help it.
One of the essay questions asks about a "platform" that you would champion if selected as the National Teacher of the Year. Here is what I wrote:
Teachers do not need yet another slogan, or inspirational quote to print and place on our wall. We are already inspired. We don’t need a call to action, we are already acting. Professional educators are currently seeking out professional development opportunities so that they can grow and develop as teachers, provide the most applicable learning experiences to their students, stay current in educational trends, implement meaningful use of technology, and support social and emotional learning in classrooms. Teachers are getting the work done; they are busy, dedicated, and passionate. Teachers don’t need to be “told”. If chosen as the National Teacher of the Year, I would change the narrative. I would “ask”.
I staunchly believe that every teacher works miracles, everyday, in every classroom. I would simply ask teachers to share the miracles. These miracles can be of any size, but they are nonetheless, absolutely powerful learning achievements that students experience everyday. The miracle can be a student learning how to pronounce a new sight word, learning how to read, reading their first chapter book, learning how to multiply two digit numbers, learning how to calculate the slope of a line. Some miracles can be that students are excited to run the mile, and changing the entire culture of physical education for a school. Some miracles are that students can design and construct their own investigations to provide real evidence when they make a scientific claim. Other miracles can be that a shy student has grown the self confidence to use their voice in class, or a student has found a new interest and possible career path.
I would, as the National Teacher of the Year, acknowledge the amazing work that teachers are already doing; appreciate the time, dedication, and passion that all teachers have; and share with a larger audience the miracles that are happening now.
Every teacher is "The Teacher of the Year" for their students. Every teacher is a rockstar. Every teacher works miracles everyday.
I was recently selected as a finalist for Kern County Teacher of the Year, which means that I have the opportunity to apply to be the California Teacher of the Year, and if selected, could even be considered to be the National Teacher of the Year. It would be an absolute lie to say that I am not interested, invested, and hopeful of a win, but I may have just ruined my chance. I just can't help it.
One of the essay questions asks about a "platform" that you would champion if selected as the National Teacher of the Year. Here is what I wrote:
National Teacher of the Year
The term “platform” can be construed as a directive, and I refuse to contribute to any directives towards teachers. We are already inundated with directives; we are told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. We already have enough initiatives thrown at us, by administrators, instructional specialists, colleagues, textbook companies, technological companies, parents, students, and society as a whole. I refuse to engage in this.Teachers do not need yet another slogan, or inspirational quote to print and place on our wall. We are already inspired. We don’t need a call to action, we are already acting. Professional educators are currently seeking out professional development opportunities so that they can grow and develop as teachers, provide the most applicable learning experiences to their students, stay current in educational trends, implement meaningful use of technology, and support social and emotional learning in classrooms. Teachers are getting the work done; they are busy, dedicated, and passionate. Teachers don’t need to be “told”. If chosen as the National Teacher of the Year, I would change the narrative. I would “ask”.
I staunchly believe that every teacher works miracles, everyday, in every classroom. I would simply ask teachers to share the miracles. These miracles can be of any size, but they are nonetheless, absolutely powerful learning achievements that students experience everyday. The miracle can be a student learning how to pronounce a new sight word, learning how to read, reading their first chapter book, learning how to multiply two digit numbers, learning how to calculate the slope of a line. Some miracles can be that students are excited to run the mile, and changing the entire culture of physical education for a school. Some miracles are that students can design and construct their own investigations to provide real evidence when they make a scientific claim. Other miracles can be that a shy student has grown the self confidence to use their voice in class, or a student has found a new interest and possible career path.
I would, as the National Teacher of the Year, acknowledge the amazing work that teachers are already doing; appreciate the time, dedication, and passion that all teachers have; and share with a larger audience the miracles that are happening now.
Every teacher is "The Teacher of the Year" for their students. Every teacher is a rockstar. Every teacher works miracles everyday.
I say WOW! you have my vote
ReplyDeleteUmmm if that ruins your chances then it isnt meant to be. You ask away. Celebrate each and every miracle. They are why we do what we do.
ReplyDeleteOh, Alli, I cried at this letter of appeal on behalf of teachers! So much passion is found in the teaching profession and so very much is lost when even one teacher turns away and chooses another career. I would vote you National Teacher of the Year, today and everyday. I have personally experienced the feeling when fighting for our children, It seems I am standing alone, at times. It is both scary and emotionally draining. I have lost friends and sometimes it feels lonely. Your letter gives me hope. My hope is that somehow, one child's life is changed for the better. You, Alli, have changed countless lives. I hope the Teacher of the Year selection panel sees you as a beacon of hope for the teaching profession and kids. I have been and continue to be a fan of your work. Sherry Nichols
ReplyDeleteFrom one teacher to another...excellent response! If this is being rogue, then keep doing it. There are small miracles happening every day in every classroom. Thank you for acknowledging them.
ReplyDelete