My second year of teaching, my principal called me into her office at Arkansas Elementary in Aurora, Colorado on the tenth day of school. She grimaced in sympathy as she told me there was a staff overage and I was being transferred to another elementary across town. I thought. My life. Was over. There’s something about unexpected events that pull the rug out from under us- our breath catching in our throats. I survived that school move as any rugged 23-year old would, but I often think of that moment when shifts happen.
Change has been a theme the last few years, but especially the last six months. Some of it is so good; the new position I get to be in at work this year for example. And other things have blindsided me, knocking the wind out and challenging what I value and choose.
As much as I try or would like to control change, I’ve come to some hard, bottom-lines this Thursday summer evening on the deck.
#1 Change is constant right now. Just when I think I have a handle on our surroundings, something happens. Given the last few years medically, culturally, and societally- I am exhausted from being shocked. And some are closer to home- families leaving my kids’ school, or staff moving on from my own school…but as much as I try to predict and control the change, the only thing I can rely on is that change will happen.
#2 Change is someone’s dream. As much as we feel personally affected by someone’s change…people, society, is moving and shaking right now. I’ve never heard from so many friends and colleagues making career moves. It’s just time.
#3 Change encourages others. Especially in schools. I’ve seen too many people panic when teachers and staff move on in flocks. But guess what? Perhaps that friend looked at another and was inspired. Likely it wasn’t about the “bad” situation to leave, but motivating each other to be brave and think boldly. To try that thing that’s been bubbling in the peripherals for way too long.
#4 I am done giving power to the changes of others to influence my mood. Although change is hard, I am in control of my choices and my family. And guess what…I’m pretty darn happy with those right now.
This is a time of shifting, and a bit of atmospheric unrest. But can we settle into the nooks and crannies of the unrest and create our own platforms for stability? I know we can.
Teaching the Good Stuff 