Teach and learn

It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. I thought it was going to be something I would keep up on, posting the daily failures and successes. I have not done so.
It just kills me to think that I have not taken the time to share the great depth of my experience as a teacher during the first year of our schools existence. I have written and re-written this post about four times since Christmas break. I just couldn’t find the appropriate voice to share with you how this time has been.
The best way for me to share with you all how I feel about the last 6 months is through this video by the artist Don Hertzfeldt. We have all been beat down a bit by the things we love and are so proud of. First, I enjoyed the how smooth things were going at work (represented by the red balloon). The balloon took on a life of its own and beat the hell out of me. I quickly realized that I was not the only one fighting to stay above the fray. I got caught up with the business of the work. Which, for about a month, left me a few steps away from where I should have been - right next to the students. About 2 weeks ago I found my own peace with it all again. The balloon safely in my hand.

I have never been as satisfied or challenged by my work as I have this year. Each day has been better than the last. I have witnessed such amazing growth, both social and academic.
This success was not without tears. There have been more smiles than tears, which leaves me knee deep in a pool of tears with sore cheek muscles. I love it.
So much of our time working here has been on managing and teaching healthy behaviors and choices that will support the students in being successful in their pursuits.