I’m writing this on an Apple MacBook Air. I’ve never been an Apple person (honestly, because during the early years I couldn’t afford to go that route and I became comfortable with the other mainstream alternatives), but here I am, stumbling through “command” instead of “control” shortcuts and wondering why the red X to close a window is on the left side of the screen instead of the right. Why am I on a Mac? Because “the district” gave me one to use, so I’m learning it through hands-on practice. Why did the district give me one? Because I’ve got a new position and I need a laptop to work as I move from school to school.
Wait a minute. I’ve got a new position? I thought I was a third grade teacher!
You’ve heard it said, I’m sure, that one should never pray for patience. Patience will come, it’s said, but only through experiencing more trials than any person should have to endure. The last month or so has been like that for me, but instead of patience I’ve gained the ability to handle change. Change.
Okay, I’m gaining the ability to handle change. I’m not quite there, yet, but I’m getting closer.
I’ve taught third grade (before I go any further, I really prefer to say I teach students who are in the third grade, but that sort of gets awkward to both write and read after a while) for 11 years. It’s all I’ve ever taught, and I fully intended to do so until I retired in another 100 years or so. As the last school year came to an end, though, two of my co-teachers found themselves making a change within the school. One was happy with her change, and the other wasn’t, but as I tried to encourage them I found myself thinking that maybe I could also break out of my comfort zone if the opportunity arose.
And then it did.
A STEM coach position within the district was posted. I applied. I interviewed. And just like that, I’m writing on a MacBook instead of my Chromebook. This is only a temporary position, and I plan to go back into the classroom in a few years, but for now it’s what I do.
Change. It’s new, but I can do this. I’m not, by the way, praying for patience. I’ve got enough going on, thank you very much.
Congrats on the new venture! And, wise choice not to pray for patience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, not praying for that!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your new position. Isn;t if fun to be in the same position as the kids – sometimes uncomfortable with the new learning they are asked to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm…fun? I suppose it is! Change is hard, but I do love learning new things. Thanks for reading and your comments!
LikeLike
Congratulations??? Enjoy/endure the change. Keep Bowie handy… visit iTunes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta love some Bowie! Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Enjoy the new position! I promise you will love your Mac soon! I am curious about what your new job entails, but I am sure you will enjoy the challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! I’m liking the Mac more and more every day. It’s just a process. My position was created as part of a grant our district got for a curriculum called Project Lead the Way. My job is to help teachers use it during the early years of its implementation. I’ll also help with all things STEM that might come up. I think I’m going to like it a lot!
LikeLike
Well congratulations! Change can be hard, but it’s good for us, right? Utility players have great value in baseball! A couple of years ago I found out 3 weeks before school started — 3 WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED — that I was being bumped up to 1st Grade from Kindergarten. K was all I had ever taught for 15 years. It was an awesome year, and now I embrace new opportunities, should they come my way. Have fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three weeks? Wow! Change is good, but I like to have a warning. Thanks for your comments. 🙂
LikeLike