Laura Piper

           It is the beginning of July. At this point in the year most teachers have just settled down from their school year. Their classrooms are reorganized. Paperwork is filed away and submitted as necessary. They may have even taken their classroom key off of their key ring just to guarantee they are giving themselves a summer break before August gets here and the excitement begins again. It is a cycle, one that a teacher knows well. I have been out of this cycle for one year now, after leaving my previous teaching position behind when I moved back to my home state of Michigan. It feels odd not being a part of the cycle so familiar to me. Often I catch myself thinking of teachers and what point of the school year it is, and remember myself and experiences throughout a similar time frame.

 

            It is hard to believe – and somewhat frightening – that I am about to witness the cycle beginning in a month and not be a part of it for the second year in a row. Contrary to everyone’s warnings of the difficulty of finding a teaching position in Michigan, I believed that I would be able to secure a teaching position upon moving to Michigan. I figured if not my first year back then definitely by the start of the second school year. Schools do hire throughout the summer and into the fall, and I remain hopeful and optimistic. However, I ask myself the question “What if I am not teaching this year?” My answer last summer was to finish my Master’s Degree and spend the time improving as a teacher. The answer to the question this summer is still being decided although the end result of improving as a teacher will be the same with or without my own classroom this year. I am forced to consider how I will achieve this now, and throughout my career.

 

            My immediate thought process when asked this question by my husband was that I have really enjoyed the courses I have taken throughout my Master’s Degree Program. I feel that I have gained a great deal as an educator. My tool kit of technology resources grew substantially. I feel extremely knowledgeable when it comes to literacy education. As a result, I should look into further degrees. I originally thought my passion for formal education would end after obtaining a Master of Arts in Education. In reality, it only makes me long for more. I hope there are additional certifications or degrees in my future.

 

            Another answer to the question is that I will spend time in a classroom within my community. This past school year I substitute taught and made connections in many schools. I often considered the wealth of knowledge and ideas I was gaining just by being in various classrooms. This experience has reinforced the importance of collaborating among fellow teachers and learning from one another. I would love to spend time in a more experienced teacher’s classroom this upcoming school year. Observing colleagues and various classrooms is something that even when I hold my own teaching position again I will still recognize the value of.

 

            Lastly I intend to read. One thing I have come to appreciate greatly throughout my graduate level courses is the value of reading professional works of teaching strategies, new ideas and curriculums, and reflective pieces of experienced teachers. I have a list of titles I have been looking forward to diving into. If I find myself without a teaching position this upcoming school year I will use my time as an opportunity to educate myself through reading. When I do hold a position, this is something I will still value and will make time to continue reading.

 

            I hold high the value of learning outside of the classroom as a teacher and as a student. I will most certainly take advantage of the time to travel and gain life experiences. This is something I feel many teachers value and use their school breaks to achieve. If I have the extra time this school year, I plan to make the most of it. Eventually I will arrive in my own classroom with a wealth of knowledge to share.

 

           So where am I headed without a teaching position lined up for next year? My answer now is the same place I would be headed with a teaching position. I will better myself as a teacher by working in a classroom, continuing to learn (whether formal or informal) and stay current with the most modern teaching curriculums and programs, and gain life experiences. I will value these actions throughout my career, and intend to hold true to continuing to learn. I am excited to see where my career takes me. I am anxious to return to classroom teaching, and also anxious to see where I will go after that.