I am reminded of Oprah…Last week she had a career consultant on her show talking with men and women who were “dissatisfied” with their current careers.  Of particular interest was a young woman, 29 or 30, who had been teaching for 7 years.  She was, to put in her own words, “burnt out”.  How sad, I thought…only seven years and now she is questioning her career decision on national television!  And yet, today as I administered the developmentally inappropriate yet state mandated CRCT and watched the unnecessary frustration on my student’s faces, I, too went home and dreamt of a job with hour-long lunch breaks, neat and organized offices with ample supplies, and supportive colleagues who are professional, polished, and productive. 

     But I know that tomorrow, I will walk back into my classroom and be the cheerleader, nurse, mother, friend, and teacher to all of my students.  I will focus on helping them be successful and give them the skills to be critical thinkers and problem solvers (even if it is not tested on the CRCT!)  As this EdS. program comes to an end, I think about how much I have changed as an educator this year.  I have come to “crave” the professional learning community that we have created and I am seeking out opportunities to continue this work next year, possibly on an administrative level.  It is here where I am hoping to effect greater change within my school and county and to help change the “culture” of our school.  I have never been one to accept the “status quo”  yet I do not see myself as an activist.  I consider myself to be positive in my thinking but also a realist and practical in my actions.  I “pick and choose my battles” carefully.  I am only one person.  Yet I also see the endless possibilities in learning communities where professionals are committed, focused, driven, and determined.  Social justice needs to begin in the classroom with the students.  Students need to determine the needs of their “communities” and develop realistic plans for attaining prescribed goals.  Teachers and administrators need to be the facilitators in that journey and model this type of behavior. 

     For now, I will continue to grow and seek out learning communities that validate and challenge my beliefs and values.  I am a life long learner.  And as my EdS. journey comes to an end and my second graders move on to third, I find great satisfaction in the differences I have made in their lives and the path that my career is taking me.  My journey may not be the same as everyone elses but it is my own.