Things I Learned

What I learned about Robin today: 1) That she came to Washington State at the same age that I did 13 years ago (i.e., 43), and with a similar intention (i.e., to reinvent oneself). Unfortunately, it took me a bit longer to do the actual reinventing, since my first 12 years out here reflected a lot of the same issues and baggage that I had when I relocated from New York. However, in the past year, since signing up and getting accepted to the Teacher Certification program, the actual reinvention processs is well underway.

What I want Robin to know about me is that I am passionate and compassionate about what I do and what I believe in. I have a wicked sense of humor, was probably considered a "class clown" in elementary and junior high schools, and much of that humor and clowning has undoubtedly carried over to the present day (as some of my cohort members will attest to). An interesting challenge for me will be to keep my own humor and need to be funny in check, especially when dealing with a class of fifth and sixth graders, some of whom will no doubt be competing with me to be smart alecks. It will be a fine line to walk to encourage my students to be open and funny without losing control of the class, and without letting them outperform me (!).