On The Brink Of Greatness!

Through recent faculty meetings, extended workdays and team meetings, next year has been on my mind. As a teacher, living on an island in the summer, definitely has its advantages.  I have always looked forward to the end of the year, for just that reason....the END of the year! Knowing September will bring all the excitement and energy back, after a couple of sun-soaked months.  Yes, I have a tug at my heart, letting the students that I have worked with in the trenches all year, go off to 8th grade. However, overall, I have always looked forward to a fresh start.

While approaching the end of my 10th year as an educator here on Nantucket, I have never experienced this renewed sense of energy I have had with school lately. And ironically, it's May!  I have been very much enjoying a new unit with my students, navigating the peaks and valleys of what works and what I need to adjust for next year.  However, I don't think that is it.  For the first time in our district, I feel that we have a group of teachers who are not only dedicated to teaching, but dedicated to creating a new sense of community. An educator's community.  I have often experienced a sense of mystery when working with colleagues on our small little island.  Unsure of what others do in their classes and more often feeling that they don't want me to know.  Often the excuse for professional collaboration is a teacher's anthem; "there's not enough time!" Recently I have noticed a shift.  Although slight, it has been noticeable.  Our principal has really listened to some of us and has been the point person on organizing some amazing opportunities for our staff.  While also keeping the doors wide open for educators from our elementary and high school, as well as the two private schools on the island.

Instead of feeling like it is a rush to the finish line, I am feeling excited about the work I want to do over the summer and truly enthusiastic for the start of next year, to continue this wave of collaboration, sharing and reflection.  I feel that our island is on the brink of greatness when it comes to education, and it is empowering.  Yes, we have a lot of work to do, however, even though it sounds so simple, for the very first time, there is a sense of genuine unity around improving our instruction in the most creative and forward thinking ways.