Lately I’ve Been Contemplating.
The school year has 
begun and many things have changed since I shared my last post. So lately I’ve been thinking. What is it that you have contemplated? Glad you asked.
Well , let me start at the beginning. I started my career fresh out of Lincoln University in 1996 thinking that I would make an impact on the world through education. I am grateful that during my 18 year journey I have positively affected the lives of many children, families, educators, and communities. I began my career believing I would be apart of a system that would prepare the next generation for a brighter future.
Since that time I have won awards, received commendations, and worked in various capacities on local , district, and state levels . Having the opportunity to offer professional development for staff, write curriculum, mentor new teachers, serve on district and state level think tanks has been an amazing experience. Sounds great doesn’t it? But recently I have become bothered by the current state of affairs; the spinning of wheels, this illusion of change and progress is eating away at me and causing me to question whether working within the traditional structure of school as we now know it is for me. Don’t misunderstand me I am just as passionate today about teaching and learning as I was then. Even on my worst day, walking into a classroom of rambunctious teenagers, teaching the art of writing, critical thinking, and developing their appreciation and understanding of great literary writers drives and fuels me.
However, there is a dissonance within that refuses to be drowned out by the sound of the rest of the band.
All to often, on the long road up, young leaders become servants of what is rather than shapers of what might be.”
― John Gardner
The Teacher's Desk 