A New Journey Begins

A little over a month ago I did something I never dreamed I would do. I left my classroom mid-year to become something called an "Instructional Partner." (In other parts of the country this position may be called Instructional Coach or Reading Coach). I thought that perhaps one day in the distant future I might consider doing this job, but never imagined it would come so quickly.

So what makes a person who has a wonderful class in an amazing school with fabulous coworkers decide to leave? For me, it was the leading of the Holy Spirit. I always pray for direction in life, and felt led to make this move. For several years I've enjoyed working with teachers and providing professional development for them. I get so much joy from being able to help teachers. It's my way of giving back to all of those wonderful educators who have helped me along the way. Plus, I know that by helping out a teacher, I'm impacting countless students!

One thing led to another, and within about a month's time I was the new Instructional Partner at two elementary schools in my system. (This is why my posts have been sporadic lately--I'm still learning my way). One day I was teaching fifth grade. The next day I was the Instructional Partner. And so my journey began. So far I have delivered and attended professional developments, worked the presentation booth for a major school program, greeted sweet little faces in the mornings at car rider duty, set up testing sessions, planned lessons, created instructional materials, and about a hundred other things. I'm learning as I go, and loving it! But what I've enjoyed most is the time I've spent with the teachers and students at my new schools. I hope I will be able to impact them as positively as they are impacting me.