A New Adventure

At an early age, I fell in love with writing. I still remember opening my first diary, a glittery rainbow fish diary with a tiny lock and key, for Christmas when I was 8 years old. My neighbors, I'm sure, never realized the impact this small gift would have. I've kept a diary since then. Since having two kids, my entries are much more sporadic, and sometimes entries merely consist of short happy lists or gratitude lists. Nonetheless, I write. 

For a good laugh, I've included a few images from my that first diary. Y'all, I loved to write. I never said I was great at it. It's a perfect example of progress! 

Today I lost 3 dollars. I found it "walago" - southern for "a while ago." 

Please note that my 8 year old self writes to my diary like it's a person with human senses and feelings. *Insert dramatic eyeroll emoji. 

 I'm dying laughing while reading some of these diary entries, but it reminds me of the importance of modeling writing for our students. I had some crazy childhood ideas, and my mechanics weren't the best. Let's focus on the journey. And, in case you're wondering, that sick dog didn't die after all. :)

After two amazing conference experiences in June, I have decided to start this blog as a place to share ideas, happenings, and experiences. At both conferences, I heard speakers reiterate the need for teachers and leaders to share what they're doing. By sharing our ideas and experiences, we build a wider community focused on our great mission: serving children. My hope is for this to serve as a place for collaboration and inspiration. 

One of my graduate courses in literacy highlighted the importance of setting personal professional development goals. I know educators have to set goals on paper all the time, but I'm talking about setting real, meaningful goals. What is it you want to achieve this year? What is something you want to learn more about?

This past year, my personal professional development goal was to present at a conference. I finished my administrative certification in August of last year, and one of my big passion projects during the program related to family involvement. With the support of the leadership at my school, I submitted proposals to two conferences, one at the state level and one national conference. I was full of self-doubt and really didn't think my proposal would be accepted to the International Literacy Association's conference, but here we are .... preparing for the conference in Austin, TX in a few short weeks. 

I write about this goal for three reasons. One, I'm pretty proud of this accomplishment. I think it's a big deal, and I'm really excited to share the work we've been doing at JMB with colleagues on a national platform. Two, personal professional development is important! Personal PD goals can help you refuel. Find something you're passionate about and set a goal to learn more. Be intentional in finding something that will inspire you; don't set a goal because it's something you MUST do. That turns into a burden instead of a goal. Three, my personal PD goal for this upcoming year is to maintain this blog. I love to write and to collaborate with others to share ideas. This blog will allow me to do both. 

With the first post done, hopefully I can get to work on the layout and the "cute" factor. :) Anybody have any suggestions for spicing up the blogger format?