I am someone who talks of stepping out of comfort zones to innovate and try new things, but I am also someone who talks this talk but hesitates to take action for fear of failure. Well, I have decided to step out--to take a leap--and to risk failure.
Late this spring I was offered an opportunity to be part of a brand new organization with a mission in which I believe and a hope to transform education in my state. The risks here are those related to any new organization just beginning, funding and effective leadership. As a non-profit organization, we will be raising funds continually to keep the organization alive and thriving to support the work of innovative teachers and schools in our state. We will be working with the Board to establish a strategic plan and vision whereby we measure success based on real results.
I could have remained in the local school system where I was enjoying my work with literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment in secondary schools and where I served as a literacy specialist and resource teacher leader for 12 middle schools, 5 high schools, and numerous programs. However, had I remained in this position I would have remained in a place of comfort and stability and would not have been walking my talk of the importance of stepping out and taking risks for the sake of creating fresh learning experiences for students.
My hopes and plans for my new adventure are that
1) I will learn
2) I will lead
3) I will contribute
and will do all of the above with the same passion and commitment I have always had for teaching and learning.
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| Seattle, WA (makes me think adventure) |
