Something Special is Going On Here

For most teachers, the beginning of school is an exciting time.  Some of us are a little less willing to let go of summer and come on in, but eventually, we all show up and start working.

I love seeing what my teacher friends are doing in their classroom!  I like finding a good idea and making it reality and thanks to Pinterest, I can do both (to the detriment of my budget).  Go to any school in the nation at this time of year and you will feel the electric vibe in the air, because the teachers are excited.

Ortiz is no exception.  We are working to organize and decorate our rooms and plan our lessons and map out our schedules.  But this year is different.... better.  This year, we have begun transforming our school from the inside out with The Leader in Me Program.  We have had a rough few years.  Teaching is hard and it has become harder.  Standardized tests are long and have become longer and much more rigorous.  You get tired, and its just so hard to keep going, and its hard for the students to keep going too.  The transformation of our school begins with the teachers, and we are determined to work smarter, not just harder.

You can almost see the hope and determination in the voices and faces of the teachers.  The Leader in Me has given us the tools to change the way we think, feel and function.  There is a focus and sense of hope and purpose that I haven't felt in quite sometime.  The funny thing is, I didn't even realize we had lost that drive because it disappeared so slowly over the years.









We are fearless.  How fearless, you ask?  As fearless as a 16 year old teenager driving their first car.  Fearless enough to paint a giant tree on a wall... freehand.  Once you start, there is no going back, and paint does not erase.  That, my friends is the true definition of bravery.   Our kinder and second grade teachers painted those trees!

We are determined.  How determined, you ask?  As determined as a toddler trying to pull a full pitcher of sweet tea off the counter.  Determined enough to rework our lessons and find every minute of instruction possible.

We are energized.  How energized, you ask?  As energized as 24 first graders at the Christmas party.  My grade level started texting me at 7:09 this morning.  I still had 6 minutes to sleep and they are blowing up my phone with texts!  Tonight, after supper, teachers were still texting each other, exchanging ideas and discussing possibilities.

And we are overwhelmed.  How overwhelmed, you ask?  As overwhelmed as the new parents of triplets! There is so much to think about, and learn and do.  Oh my, how will we EVER get it all done?  But we will.  Just wait and see.