Feeling Worthwhile

Last week was tough. I cried at school (in hiding) because someone was really, really rude to me, and I thought this week would be much the same. I was overly frazzled yesterday; at my wits end with all the kids; and didn't really feel much like being there. Today though, I had an epiphany. On Friday, the math staff, principal, and vice principal all headed down (after a quick pop into the pub) to this spa close to the school.


Image courtesy of hotels-world.com

Pretty nice already, right? After checking into rooms that looked like this,


image courtesy of laterooms.com

we worked for two hours. We listened to presentations pertaining to the neatest, most complex things (at least for a new teacher like me). Ryan presented about a new exam board we'd be using (REALLY higher order thinking needed to come up with that kind of research, all kidding aside, and this from a BRAND NEW educator...amazing); um, and that's all I can remember.

We all had an amazing dinner together in the dining room at a long table, shared some drinks and long, serious discussions,





kicked up our feet,



reclined in our chairs (that's Robin, our hero),



had some laughs (with Sheila, my BFF),



and eventually hit the sack by the wee hours of the morning. Unfortunately, we had to work the next morning after an early breakfast, so the heavenly bed was not quite lived in enough, but at least I know the place is there (you know, for next time I need a really good night's sleep).

And then it was time for me to present. I talked about a new initiative that I've started at school that targets the kids who are really struggling with basic math skills. I described in great detail exactly what the 2- or 3-pronged approach looks like for each of the three year groups involved. I shared letters, sample work, and time sheets the parents are using to keep track of progress. When it was done, I thought I had done a good work sharing my "best practice" with those around me.

Little did I know it mattered.

From there, the department head wants to make this the general policy for kids who are far away from their target grades for the year. She wants it to be made available so that any teacher in math who has a struggler can easily print off the related materials, and start the kid on the program. Um, okay.

Here is the long and the short of it: the presentation, information, and the amount of excitement I have that this IS going to be successful was contagious. Infectious even. And all of a sudden it made sense: I was valued; I was important; I was necessary.

All those feelings about not wanting to go to work (not that I have them often, but the desire to take a sick day has crept in once in awhile) vanished, and I was reminded that even if I'm a NEWBIE, I'm still an integral part of this team. My colleagues and superiors listen to me, respect me, and think I'm pretty radical.

Pretty radical, right?

Here's to things working out, humans feeling valued, and jobs having meaning that goes deeper than educating youngsters.

I have the distinct notion that "Enlightenment: What am I DOING here?" might take on a new meaning in jolly old England.

Are you feeling valued? What have you done today to make you feel proud?