#SOL18 Walking Down Memory Lane


I've been preparing for a Keynote Address, which I am so honored to be giving at Long Beach Literacy Day next week (#LBLit18). The speech is on telling your story as a teacher and being an educator who writes- topics near and dear to my heart. As I've been drafting, I've been going back in time and seeing myself at every age and stage of my teaching life. I've also been rereading my blog posts here and digging up my Long Island Writing Project Summer Institute publications. 

Isn't it amazing that the teacher who arrives at a classroom is really a patchwork of all that she has experienced? The teacher I was at 22 years old is different from the teacher I am now, 17 years later. More squares have been sown into my quilt. More experiences, more texts read, more conversations, more reflections. The patterns are more intricate now and detailed. I didn't know what I didn't know then- there was enthusiasm, passion and purpose but there was so. much. to. learn. 

I wonder what my patchwork will look like 5 years from now? What more will be filled in that I don't know now? What experiences will I have that will continue to shape who I am as a teacher? 

The mistakes, the heartaches, the breakthroughs and celebrations....all of these make up a teaching life. It's one I'm lucky to have. 

Comments

  1. To tell your story as a teacher and be a teacher who writes is a speech I want to hear/read! I, too, think about the teacher I was at 22 and the teacher I am now with 26 years under my belt - definitely a patchwork, as you describe! You've got me thinking! All the best as you prepare and present - your audience is lucky to have you! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

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  2. I have been reflecting on my teaching over the past 21 years a lot lately. I am so different than I was at 22 but wouldn't change a thing about what I have done as all the experiences have shaped me into the teacher I am today.

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  3. I too feel blessed that I was fortunate to spend seventeen years in the classroom. If I had it to do over again, I'd choose to do it again. It's where my passion lies. Wish I could be there to hear your keynote!

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