Summer

Summer is all about recharging the battery, digging in to new ideas and reflecting on the old. I'm always thinking about my classroom, and that's okay with me. Can your career be your hobby and still live a balanced life?

I think so. I've wondered the past few years if I should be adding more non-school things to my life. Right now, I don't feel like anything is missing. Hobbies are supposed to energize, and thinking about my craft does that for me.

When school starts, there just isn't always enough space to dig into new ideas. So I happily use this space: Juut, coffee, Focus by Schmoker, and summer.

Aimless Amy

I was given the nickname in college, Aimless Amy, because I knew exactly what it was I wanted to do with my life: teach.  Nine years later I still know exactly what I want, but I see how aimless the teaching profession can be without purpose, honesty, and passion.

I teach at a large city high school with amazing colleagues and even more amazing students.  The job never gets old.  I'm a proficient teacher, passionate - even.  But I continue to peel away at what it means to be a great teacher for my students and community.  I know my contributions need continual strengthening as long as there's an achievement gap at my school, in my state, in our country.

Hopefully this isn't another fledgling blog that eventually slips away from the writer.  I once found peace and inspiration in writing blog posts in college as an undergrad, because I was exploring a world that seemed so new to me.  It's important to harness that curiosity, passion, and desire even as a veteran teacher (I am a veteran teacher, now, right?).  Here I will share.  Hopefully my readers will walk away with resources or insight into what it takes to teach well.  I don't want to be aimless.  I want to approach my classroom with renewed purpose, honesty, and passion every single year.