Professionally I'm pretty much required to say yes. Class of 30? Yes. New PLC rules? Yes. 25 of the 30 kids get preferential seating? Yes. "Mr Braddy, can I go to the bathroom?" NO!
Sometimes we get to say no. I'm happy to say yes to those things. 30 kids? Great, my program is growing. New rules? New rules means that someone is paying attention. Preferential seating? If I'm always on the move, then everyone is getting preferential seating. Better stay on the move. It makes sense that, if I'm required to say yes so often, then everyone who supports me would also be required to say yes. I need ten new cameras. Yes! I want a day to visit with the other teachers in my field to add design principles to our lessons. Yes! I want to add this software to my computer lab so my kids can create 3D simulations? Yes! Of course! What're you, crazy? I hear yes more than no, for sure, but there's always a no when I least expect it. The truth is, I never expect it. I always assume that everyone else has the same passion for teaching that I have. I assume that they see me as the professional teacher. Someone who's going to make miracles happen. If spending a little time with me and providing me with the support I need is all they have to do to be part of that miracle, they should be more than happy to do that. Why wouldn't they? We're making dreams come true. We're changing the world. We're.... you know... teaching school. After 9 years in the classroom, I took a risk and stepped outside the classroom in order to work in one of those support roles. It's overwhelming, but we're making dreams come true... changing the world... teaching school. My plan? To say yes to teachers, and then figure out how I'm going to make it happen. After all, if spending a little time with someone and providing the support they need is all I have to do to be part of the miracles they're making happen, how could I say no? - Jason Braddy
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJason Braddy. Archives
December 2017
Categories |