TGIF

Happy Friday!

Good luck to everyone as you are probably....
- celebrating the end of a week long training
- dreading opening your classroom door next week (what's behind Door #1?)
- keeping the number of bad teaching related dreams to a minimum
- wondering where you put the so and so before you locked your classroom door behind you
- figuring out if the new principal/assistant principal/etc will finally bring a vision to your school
- slowly training your habits (and body) to the parameters of a work day

and last but certainly not least...
- hoping for a smooth and joyous 1st (and every) day with our students, colleagues and school leadership!

To make this last one happen, in my humble opinion (although research certainly substantiates this) change at schools- particularly the good kind that will help us feel more productive, supported, safe and be meaningful- does not happen unless there is a level of relational trust that is established school-wide. Obviously, the site principal plays a large role in setting the tone at a school, but don't underestimate the power of the positive individual teacher. Smile! Befriend a new teacher. Bury the hatchet with a more established colleague. Swing open your doors this year- you will learn so much from collaboration.

After all, who doesn't want to feel fulfillment in their job, especially when there is so much to do and our students' needs are so diverse. Yeah, remember differentiated instruction? Our colleagues help/advice/feedback here is what will ultimately help make it happen. And make it easier on you!

Something more to think about as the 11th hour is upon us.

And yes, I promise. I'll get back to ELL stuff. And get off the soap box.

Have a great weekend!

- W