An Introduction I Can Use Today

This is a reprint from an earlier article written at 9:32 AM on September 17, 2008. I've changed a few words to improve flow and grammar, but not content. I still agree with all I've written. Last update: October 19, 2019.

Working together builds bridges through the ages

If you are reading this, you are, most likely, part of my PLN (professional learning network).

Remember the saying, "What Goes Around Comes Around?" As the years go by, ...that saying [will] reveal itself in action more and more. This an opportunity to put into practice what we call scaffolding, or the spiraling of knowledge that Bruner and Vygotsky suggested in their theoretical studies of learning. As a life-long learner, I have used that spiraling ...[visualization of learning] to make connections in my education, teaching career and life.

Since I began teaching in 1975, I have learned, taught and experienced a multitude of theories, trends and issues as they appear, disappear and reappear.

One thing that I can say with certainty is that my professional teaching life has been healthier and happier when I "go with the flow", when I see an opportunity for professional growth in NEW THEORIES that are really old wine wrapped in a new flask

I am healthy and happily working online, building my Professional Learning Network (PLN) and providing professional development resources "...in service to the profession".

Having taught many grade and subject levels from Kindergarten to college level students, I enjoy teaching. My areas of expertise began with Microbiology, then elementary, then high school and later, special education K-12. My resume' is quite extensive, yet I have had the privilege to learn, grow, and work with many teachers, parents and other community members who were even more insightful, knowledgeable and collaborative. My career has taken me from the forested region on the north side of Lake Ponchartrain in Louisiana to the desert plains of the Llano Estacado in Southeastern New Mexico to continue here in Kansas.

Through living the life of a teacher's child, I was often looking for friends and companions. As a young teacher, I learned to seek the camraderie and professional advice of those who were the most experienced at the schools where I taught. I still do that, yet it is a bit more difficult now because I am frequently the "grand dame" of the school.

Of course, in teaching, it's all about the kids, but you MUST take care of yourself. You must be healthy and happy. If you aren't, if you keep your "nose to the grindstone, you will end up with no nose!" You will become worn out...you will be unable to accept change....you will not GROW as a teacher.

The take-away message here is to remember that you are part of a TEAM of people, including students, parents, teachers, and the larger community of learners. It is my belief that you will be a better teacher when you work in a collaborative, not competitive environment where people's self esteem comes from providing for students, not gathering accolades for all the "stuff" you belong to or control. When you and your community are really teaching and learning, the accolades will follow.

If you have decided to become a teacher, then you know you won't make much money, you know you will work long hours and you know that you must live a tightly controlled life. THIS IS ALL WORTH IT, if and only if you have the OPPORTUNITY to teach kids who have the opportunity to learn and develop in your care. That's right! Your care, your guidance, your teaching is the key! That is what it is all about! The pure joy of watching children of various ages and stages learn and grow as you teach.