Lifelong Learning

Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance. ~Will Durant

Every time I read this quote, I am reminded of how much I thought I knew when I first started teaching and how now I feel the more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing!

When I graduated college and first started teaching , I thought I knew it all! I dove right in and started my masters program during that first year and took advantage of every staff development session that was offered. I was so excited to be a part of all the new and exciting opportunities technology was bringing to education. By my third year of teaching, I was on top of the world! I was presenting at local and national math and technology conferences and leading workshops at my school. I knew it all! Ha!

Fast forward 10 years. I just finished a second masters in educational administration and leadership. I have 4 young boys which made it a heck of a lot harder to take classes this time around. I've moved out of the classroom and work on the district's technology team. I get to "play" with all the new technology tools and help teachers find innovative ways to use them in the classroom. I lead technology workshops and attend/present at local and national conferences. I'm even taking a go at teaching college students this semester. I really enjoy my jobs!

I still feel like I'm on top of the world, but for completely different reasons! My paycheck and professional status aren't feeling as important these days. Don't get me wrong, I love learning and am still considering a doctorate program, but my focus has shifted. I have a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful boys. I am surrounded by amazing family and friends. Most importantly, I serve an AWESOME GOD! Life is good!

I'm slowing letting go of the fact that I have to "know everything". I will never know it all, no one expects me to know it all, and "know-it-alls" aren't fun to be around anyway! ;)

For now, I will do my best to focus on the day-to-day blessings the 5Ts bring and continue the progressive discovery of my own ignorance by learning something new each day.

Things I've Been Thinking About Lately...

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Ever since I can remember, I would "play school" with my brother and sisters making them follow a schedule and complete math worksheets I created. My grandparents, parents, and several aunts and uncles were/are teachers, so it's really no surprise that I (along with two of my siblings) went into the family business. ;) I love everything about teaching and really feel that God called me to this profession. Having said that, I've been thinking lately...

1. Am I supposed to teach in a public school my entire career like my parents did? I don't have a problem with that whatsoever. I'm not unhappy and I really could see myself retiring from the district where I currently teach.

2. Should I get my doctorate? I love learning and feel fortunate to work for a district that supports advanced degrees so how could I pass that up?

3. I've always wanted to go on a mission trip with my family and have even thought about teaching abroad. However, whenever those thoughts enter my mind, I usually talk myself out of it by saying, "The boys are too young. Surely God wouldn't want us to sell our house and all of our possessions and go!" Or would He?

4. What would it be like to home school my boys?

So that's what I've been thinking about lately. I feel like I have 3 full-time jobs (mom, wife, teacher) and I often put 100% into the one that brings the paycheck home, but neglect putting 100% into my marriage and parenting. They deserve more! What does God have in store for me and my family? Maybe none of these thoughts I've had are in God's plan and I'm right where I need to be at this very point in time. I'm good with that. ;)

God help me to treasure the multitude of blessings in my life and cherish the here and now with the 5T's.