My New Classroom

As cliché as it is, I believe everything happens for a reason. Last semester our school experienced some significant changes, which would ultimately affect my position next year. Throughout the process, I wanted to believe in the opportunity that this would bring to each of us. As fortunate as I was to receive a position in my role at QA, I now found myself faced with the decision of whether to stay. 

One particularly tough afternoon, I found myself in tears in a co-workers office. I had about an hour to make a huge decision, and I was scheduled to teach a kindergarten class during majority of that time. Long story short, the amazing network of colleagues quickly spread the concern, and I was in my supervisor's office shortly after the kindergarten lesson ended. It was then that I was presented with the second incredible opportunity by the two men who interviewed me in London about a year ago. I was asked to help take on the instruction of the SUNY course that a cohort of 25 teachers had started in the fall. (This is a program offered after work to QA staff. This is in addition to the new role(s) that I will be taking next year!)

This spring, I joined the teaching group and shadowed the leader in particular. I gained so much from simply participating and reflecting with the teachers in the class. The cohort is working towards completing 5 courses to earn a certificate of educational technology through Buffalo State, a member of the State University of New York. I would be taking over the leadership and instruction of the final three courses.

Tonight Craig handed over the torch... the QA SUNY dongle. It is the first time that the reality of next year has been very evident to me. I know I am capable of leading this cohort, and I have a huge passion in the content that we are delivering. I am going to work with a group of teachers, most with several more years of experience in classrooms. I hope that I can meet their expectations and uphold the excellent program that my predecessors have established. 

Thank you Craig and Steve for believing in me in London, and thank you for the support and encouragement you've provided all year. Your presence will be greatly missed, but this not the end of the Wolf Pack just yet!

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