I Teach, What's your SuperPower?

 It is hard to believe that it is September 9th already. What happened to the Summer (although in many ways this has been the longest summer ever!

We left school on March 13, thinking that we would return sometime in the Spring. I had not idea that, in September, we still wouldn't be going back to school (in the building per se). 

Although we still have two weeks before students begin,  my level of anxiety is increasing every day. This is my 28th year teaching and I feel unequipped to fully meet the needs of the students I love so dearly!

We have started Professional Development and Professional Learning Communities..zoom meetings all day. Everyone is starving for information, trying to put the puzzle together as to how we will serve those we teach. 

We are starting school in a new world, both during a pandemic as well as a time of social upheaval. There have been nightly protests in Portland for over 100 days. Protests that stand for Black Lives Matter, protests that have often been called "riots" and the clash between protesters and police becomes more intense as the days pass. 

These are the times in my life where I desire to make a statement. As the teacher of many students of color, I stand with them and their desire to be heard.

School is beginning next week. Students will be "returning" to school online, a strange way to return and yet an opportunity as well. As a teacher, I am working to make sure that I allow my students to experience learning. It will not just be about school per se but rather a bit about life and how we approach our life long learning,

It is both scary and exciting. Right now, more scary than exciting...

I know that as time goes in we will find a rhythm. Today it just seems like there is so much to do and not much time to do it. Last spring I worked twelve hour days, sometimes more. It was exhausting and overwhelming. Some days, it seems like too much. I am working hard to make sure that Javad stays healthy, I continue to social distance and wear a mask. The thought of returning to the building (whenever that is) sends me into a panic.

As my grandmother would say..."Don't borrow trouble" and I am working on it, but...it's hard.

I have always felt that I have the best job, even when my kids drive me crazy. I am opening a world to young people every day and building (potential) life long relationships. I had teachers in my life that made a powerful impact on my life, showing me the way to where I am now.

I am grateful for the path that they showed me...I want to do the same for others.

I teach...that's my superpower!