It seems that I am drawn to my blog most forcefully during the Spring. Perhaps it's the sense of renewal that calls to me to give abandoned efforts another try. Perhaps it's the timing of my attendance at inspirational conferences, again, usually in Spring, that calls me to second looks at giving expression to my thoughts, ideas, experiences.
Whatever the draw, this time around, I'm back here putting cursor to electronic page and feeling the need to share.
Yesterday was the first day of Spring Break. I spent the bulk of the day (the third of three) at a wonderful conference - SoMIRAC - the State of Maryland International Reading Association conference. It's quality was impressive and the learning I consumed makes my mind swim. I happen to work with conference chair and incoming President, Marilyn Barber, and can only extend kudos for her efforts and those of the team of planners and volunteer staff who got all up and running.
Many educator/researchers whose texts I have read and used over the years were there - David Afflerbach and Jay McTighe, for example. Others with whom I wasn't familiar became new guides for me and whose presentations opened up new ideas and concepts that are still buzzing about in my head - Valerie Ellery, Kylene Beers, Bob Probst, and Ralph Fletcher. There was a richness of thought, a profound sense of care-filled sharing, a love and respect for children, and a passion for the art and science of educating.
With one more quarter left in the school year and my next professional steps still something of a mystery, the new input both bolsters me and gives me pause. I still struggle with how to most effectively and efficiently pull these wonderful ponderings, puzzles, and knowledge all together into some form of coherent, sustainable instruction that allows my students to progress. It's clear that it requires considerable amounts of time and oceans of persistence. It's also clear to me that I want to continue to work at this path called teaching. What pleases me most is that there are such wonderful fellow travelers to accompany me.
