Message to my Readers

     I've thought a lot, recently, about how this blog is very public. I realize that there could be people reading it who do not have my best interest at heart. There could be people reading it who do not have the best interest of my students, either. There could be people reading my blog who take personal offense to my critical voice against the education system, curriculum, local and federal policy. My name, after all, is on the blog, and I do not make an attempt to hide who I am. I have even shared it with people who can then share it with others. While most people I have shared this with I have considered being a friend or someone I trust, I realize that people have their own agendas. The views expressed here are my own.

    I have also thought about how I do not want to work in a school or position where I cannot share my beliefs and criticism. I could probably "move up" in my career by being a yes-man. Quite frankly, I used to say yes a lot more than I do now. That is one of the gifts and curses of growth - we gain new perspectives. It is important to be critical of structures, systems, and organizations that you care about because it helps and inspire growth. We should be encouraged to be critical. We should also be encouraged to be educated.

    I have thought a lot recently about the conflict between organizations wanting to grow and become "better" and how in unhealthy systems this is in conflict with the desire to maintain the status quo. This is complex, and sometimes connected to power, control, and good people keeping their jobs, I wonder how much organizations actually value advanced degrees. It has been interesting to me the people who have been excited by me pursuing this Ed.D. Education, learning, growth, and reflection all challenge the status quo. My degree is not only in curriculum and instruction focusing on language and literacy, it is done through an anti-racist and social justice framework committed to building equity in our education system.

    If I write something here that is researched-based but challenges the status quo, I hope that it would inspire a conversation - not a cancellation. Truth be told, I do not want to work in an organization that is threatened or angered by research and scholarship.

    I believe in my students, their families, and their communities. I believe in their social and emotional well-being before I believe in caring about their test scores. I believe in relationships, bridges, and connections. I believe in providing the highest quality education possible for all students that support and sustains their personal and cultural identities. I believe in growth, academic skills, authentic literacy practices, and students seeing themselves and the value of what they do in the classroom. I am sure you do too. How we get there might be different, and what that looks like can vary. We can have discussions and debates. I love the county that I work for, and I think it is the best in the state. I am proud to be a teacher in the school I call home. We can feel this way, and because we love it, want to work to make it better.