Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Starting Strong...
When I ran the mile in high school I had to start strong. It was part of my style and part of my survival plan. I would toe up to the waterfall start, embrace the nervous energy that gurgled around in my stomach, and sprint like mad to get to the front of the pack. From there, I worked with what I had left and dug deep when things started to get tough. I was never the meet's most valuable runner nor did I make it to state, but I sure did P.R. (personal record), and I got better at almost every meet. It felt good. It made me happy. It offered valuable coping techniques that I still use-- sometimes more than I thought I ever would.
As I start my fifth year of teaching I sort of feel like I did almost ten years ago when I "toed up" to the line. Granted "the gun" went off almost a week ago, I'm still working hard to stay in front of the pack. It feels good to be out in front, full of energy, and anxious to get after it. And, so far, I'm off to a great start. Just like track, I can feel myself getting better. I can diagnose things sooner than the first years I taught. I've found more efficient ways to work and organize. I can feel myself getting stronger and building stamina. Maybe someday I'll be the master teacher I want to become. However, I really do like the getting better process-- even if it stinks sometimes! At the moment, though, I'm savoring the start. It was a good one, now I just have to figure out how to maintain...
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3 comments:
The starting pistol fires tomorrow for me... but I started three days early.
Good starts are awesome. Congrats on yours.
So far, so good on mine.
(Loving all the track analogies. They just totally work! Especially distance running... or middle distance...
I remember a discussion I had with my principal during what turned out to be my final year of teaching at that particular school. He asked me my thoughts on staying or leaving. And I told him that I felt that if I stayed, the next year would be the best yet. It was something I had never realized until that moment, and I felt proud of myself, even after all the mistakes.
Things do get a little easier and better every year. It's very exciting to realize that. I'm glad you've made it to your fifth year (does that mean you get tenure??) and that you're feeling great about it. There's no better gift for a teacher than to truly enjoy teaching.
Sending you good vibes for a fabulous year!
Yes, Saphron... I'm in my tenure year at the highschool I'm at now. It's kind of exciting... but what's more exciting is that the year is still off to such a great start (knock on wood).
Don- I'm glad your year is off to a good start too. I'll be anxious to hear as it goes throughout as well. :) Here's to molding the future!
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