Where Have I Been, You Ask?

Last week was our last week of school, and since I teach at a high school, that meant we had final exams Monday-Thursday and a teacher work day on Friday.  This week, though, I've been attending committee and other planning meetings.  I have really enjoyed them.  I wasn't sure what to expect but I've been pleasantly surprised by just how well things have gone.  I know I didn't want to teach this year, and this was by no means an easy year, but I really do love where I landed.  

So if you're wondering (Mom and Dad) why school's out but I keep going to school, that's why.  Before you wonder if I am crazy, let me say that I signed up for these committees.  This is not burdensome.  I am enjoying it, and very much enjoying getting to work with people outside the confines of the often-stressful, always-busy regular school year.  Also, I do not drink the KoolAid -- I sign up for these things precisely because I don't drink the KoolAid and think it's important to see how policies, etc. develop -- and to be a part of it when and however I am able.  I've had meetings every day, but they've been productive and useful and I've felt good about what we're doing even if I've not always been in love with the fact that we are doing it... if that makes sense.  

Next week, I have three full days of meetings Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to go with my new role as mathematics curriculum facilitator at the high school.  That's right -- if you're playing along, I have finally stayed in one place long enough to have moved to a curriculum role!  I will still be a classroom teacher, but I am also now the mathematics curriculum facilitator, and if you know me, you know that curriculum work (and, eventually, policy work) is where my heart is.  (And if you really know me, you know that I am distinctly not a fan of the Common Core State Standards, so I hope that I do our math department a service by not being a "yes man." The standards are here, and they are not an option in the state of Maine, but I am hopeful that my wary perspective will be an asset to my new role and to our math department.)

Hooray!

Crossing my fingers it goes well next year.  I'm excited.  Not entirely sure what to expect, but excited to get out there and try it.

In the meantime, I have a bar exam to take in five weeks.  God help me, I've not so much as cracked a book yet.

--Jen

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