Year 6 of 7 in Kindergarten, and the PRESSURE is on.
Not the pressure of change, mandates, or parents rather the pressure that consumes me, is the pressure imposed by my students.
The pressure to be better than I was the day before, the pressure to be more engaging, more willing to take risks, and learning from my students feedback, the pressure to ensure Kindergarten stays fun, beyond day 1.
I face this pressure and push back, as I grow as a teacher leader. I don’t let the pressure define what I can’t do, rather, what I WILL do. I will work hard, share what I have learned, and grow because of the pressure.
Often pressure is viewed as negative, but in my eyes pressure is an rewarding experience. This pressure is what continues to keep me in the profession of teaching. This same pressure has encouraged me to seek and attain National Board Certification, start a book study for my grade level, and provide parents with weekly opportunities to read with their child during the day. This pressure has pushed me to find avenues to encourage teacher voice in many areas to include curriculum and policy.
Each year I have a positive outlook on this pressure because it encourages me to collaborate with others, try new activities and refine my practice and grow as a professional. I stay in the profession knowing that every year I have the choice to grow, and it’s a choice I gladly make.
As we begin a new school year, embrace the pressure, use it to refine your practice and grow, your students and our profession is depending on it.
Comments 5
Your post connects to my post about why I teach. The pressure is a challenge and i find the challenge stimulating and exciting. It challenges me. There is nothing dull or mundane about teaching.
Just before reading this, I was reading Manage Your Day-to-day edited by Jocelyn Glie http://amzn.to/1hs2WTa. One of the contributors wrote, “We tend to overestimate what we can do in a short period, and underestimate what we can do over a long period, provided we work slowly and consistently.” That seemed particularly appropriate as I’m embracing the same pressures you are, with the same motivation to do my best. So, I thought I’d pass it along.
You are amazing. I cannot wait to read all about your year!
This is a great piece. I think the greatest pressure is what we place on ourselves. We are constantly striving to not only meet expectations but to exceed them. No two days are ever alike because we work with kids and strive to consistently challenge who and what we are. Love this blog, Danielle!
I totally agree with this piece! Pressure can be such a powerful motivator, but people often see it as negative. I think that in teaching, we have to keep that pressure on ourselves to improve and learn and grow. Nice job!