Planning For Next Year

posted on April 17, 2013 This time last year, I worked, somewhat nervously, each day thinking that I would know soon whether or not I’d be employed this year. Days passed, and soon May had arrived. I thought surely, if they were not going to bring me back, I would have heard something. The counselors were having me create electives for the next year, another teacher was talking to me about possibly advising the next year’s newspaper, and the high school yearbook adviser and I were planning some of the next year’s book. Then the last day of school arrived — and my principal told me that they were not bring me back. Fast forward to last week. At my current school, my principal informed me last week that they ARE bringing me back. So all I need to worry about this summer are the professional development opportunities and mission trips. Woot! In addition, I have been told that not only will I be the newspaper adviser next year (A dream come true!), but also the yearbook adviser. Wow! And you know that professional development opportunity I mentioned? My department head asked if I wanted to go to the Pre-AP English workshop, but said he wasn’t sure there would be enough money for everyone who wanted to participate. In a school leadership meeting last week, the assistant superintendent of the district informed me that I am going. Yahoo! The validation I am receiving here this year is such a far cry from last, my head is still spinning! Michelle WatersI am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education, and a NBPTS candidate. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify my students’ voices and choices.