Bulletin Board Border & Books = teacher excitement!

I have noticed that nobody loves the approach of the new school year more than...A TEACHER! You guys know exactly what I am talking about! You can see us "ostrich style" with our heads in the Target bin; searching for a WHOLE class set of crayons, pencils or themed anything! You can hear us ooh-ing and ahh-ing over a colleague's "fancy" dry erase markers or "ADORABLE" bulletin board border! We REALLY like school and all things new,inspiring and FRESH! This is just another example of what I know to be the 'Spirit of Teaching' and what I want to continue feeling throughout the school year-not just in early August. If you are anything like me, you LOVE books too! When the days get busy and I want to know more and be informed or just need to add some pep into my educator step-I go to the books! Here are just a few books that I have read recently that have my head swimming with excitement from their inspiring words and bold ideas: *The Courage To Teach-Parker J.Palmer *How Children Succeed-Paul Tough *The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership-John C. Maxwell *The Leader In Me-Stephen Covey (Really, anything by Stephen Covey!) *The End of Molasses Classes-Ron Clark (ANYTHING by Ron Clark!) *Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire-Rafe Esquith *Light Their Fires-Rafe Esquith (and I can't WAIT to get my hands on his new book that has the motto "No Retreat, No Surrender"...you really can't go wrong with that kind of energy!)Enjoy Tax Free weekend NC teachers-see you in the Target bins! I hope you enjoy this list of beautiful books like I have and please add to it-my Amazon Wish List could use a few fresh titles!

So...what are we going to do?

When I decided to begin this blog; my main objective was to create a positive and productive outlet for myself and for my fellow educators. A tiny spot in cyberspace where like minds can continue to celebrate and build upon the work being done with young minds each day. A place where one can swim through powerful words and shared dreams rather than join the negative hype and blame game sensationalized by the media. We have spent years defending our purpose, our profession and ourselves. We have spoken up and out, signed petitions and even left our beloved profession. So, when I think of what different efforts must be made-I think about what I would teach and guide my students or my two boys to do when facing adversity...or bullies. I know I have taught them to hold their heads high and to "use their words" in a calm and respectful manner. I have taught them to persevere and to perform at their very best-100% at all times! For at the end of the day, there is no greater feeling and reward than to look at your reflection and know that YOU are guiding our future citizens, voters and even politicians! So...what are we going to do?(Please share, because this issue needs some serious FRESH AIR!)

Put Some Fresh Air In There!

What comes to mind when you think about freshness? Are you laying in the grass with a blue sky above? Are you sipping on a crisp-cool drink with a slice of lemon? Are you simply relishing a warm breeze after a sullen winter? OR, are you feeling so far from recalling what FRESH looks like, sounds like or feels like that the only image that comes to mind is an oxygen mask dropping down?! When I think about teaching-or I think about each day that I spend fully putting my all into my chosen passion and career-I want these simple but rejuvenating images to embody the learning energy that will take place before me. The image of a child opening a book with pixie dust pouring out and characters coming to life WILL be more than a picture on a poster in my learning environment. That Ms.Frizzle smile present on the teacher's face as they clap with glee; watching as students work through a problem. This feeling of "fresh" is so necessary for the spirit of the teacher entering their World Of Wonder on a daily basis! It is about YOU. It is about ME. Are we truly providing an opportunity for these wonderful little people to internalize a zest for learning and love for all life has to offer if we are not fully present and owning our craft...and MAKING it our own?! I know that my students and my sons deserve the very best, most pure and FRESH learning opportunities. My own daily reflection and journey to review and redo is leading me to RENEW myself and my learning environment-my World Of Wonder. This community or village should be one of support, spirit and energy. My hope is to provide a safe place to share and celebrate our efforts and humbling life lessons. So, get your FRESH image, get your mask on-and PUT SOME FRESH AIR IN THERE