It's hard to be deliberate, though, when so many things about our profession are uncertain.
It is an understatement to say that a lot is changing in my professional world right now: loss of collective bargaining rights, significant decreases in pay (due to increased costs of health insurance and pension), significant decreases to per-pupil state funding, increased privatization (read: charter and virtual schools) of K - 12 education, new national standards and assessments, changes to special education law, changes in what it means to "read," possible elimination of funding to the National Writing Project - to name a few.
All of these things "just are." The changes are happening so quickly, so furiously, that the only thing that feels certain anymore is change.
Instead of speculating (which I do get caught up in every now and then) I am choosing to focus on the things that are important to me - now more than ever - about education:
I believe that a good teacher is an educated teacher - someone who is dedicated to his or her profession and committed to continually learning and growing.
I believe that teachers are the best teachers of teachers. We become better teachers by carefully examining our own practices through conversations, demonstrations, continual adjustment, and bravely opening our classrooms to other educators.
I believe that one purpose of education is to prepare children to participate fully in a democratic society.
I believe that reading is - and always should be - about comprehension. It's not about phonics or reading beautifully aloud. It is not about the things that can be easily measured. Reading is about understanding. It is a way to learn information, connect with others, and satisfy our curiosities.
I believe that an expensive education is not necessarily the best education.
I believe in the quantitative research that says the quality of the teacher is what makes the biggest difference in a child's ability to learn.
I believe that a bad teacher can do irreparable damage to a child.
I believe that it is a privilege to do my work. I work with some talented and smart people - people who make a difference in the lives of children, challenge me, and push themselves to always be better. Every day.
I believe that education is - above all other things - about meeting the needs of each learner. This needs to be central to each and every decision made about education.
