The most evil word is…..

There are certain memories and experiences that shape the course of our paths.  Some memories can warm your heart, while others can cause pain and hurt. There’s one particular memory that gave me inspiration to go beyond my comfort zone.  This memory fueled my drive to be the best that I can be.  I know it sounds corny, but let me explain further.

About 10 years ago, I was happily teaching middle school and was asked to be a Math TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) for elementary math.  Yes, I am credentialed to teach K-8 math.  I hadn’t taught elementary math in a long while, but dove into this opportunity by reading over all the standards, learning new strategies, and supporting the needs of the elementary teachers.  I embraced the chance to especially work with my son’s teacher whom wrote me a note requesting my assistance.  For two years, I ran around to 10 different schools ready to learn, laugh, and math with others.
Of course, these type of positions are cyclical and I was asked to go back to the classroom.  I’ll admit that at first I was devastated by the news because all math support for elementary teachers was disappearing.  It was unfortunate because I felt like I was truly making a difference in not just the teachers’ lives, but to hundreds of students all over the district. After hearing about my transfer, I ran into one of the elementary principals.  I told her that if she needed math help or PD for her teachers, I’d be happy to help despite being put back in the classroom.  Her reply….“why would I do that?  You are JUST a teacher.”  

“Just” is such a diminishing, belittling word.  “Just” completely shrunk my own self worth in that moment.  It was a slap in the face. I was “just” a teacher.  Because my title of TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) was going away, I was not worthy of this principal’s attention.  It’s as if all my knowledge and experience teaching mathematics completely vanished.  “Just” being a teacher meant that I was one of the underlings of the district. Apparently I was not good enough to train anyone’s staff.

Well… that was 10 years ago.  I would be lying if that didn’t fuel my fire and motivate me in everything that I did after that incident.  I published this website.  I published my own book that got acquired by an educational company. I brought up math scores by 10% at the school I was placed in.  I also doubled 6th grade math scores.  I have travelled to speak and train teachers at districts and math conferences.  My work has been used in classrooms all over the world.  The impact that I have on children every time I hear or see  stories gives me the chills.  My classroom has grown exponentially.  

Not bad for “just” a teacher.  

Don’t let anyone ever rain on your parade.  

Kristen