Pinned

I just received my 15-year service pin.  Where did the time go?  I can remember going to school to get my alternative license, working in the classroom and trying to take care of a toddler (...and a husband).  Everything was new.  I had a lot of questions. And I wasn't always sure I was doing it right.                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, I am going to school to get a Master's of Arts degree, working in my classroom and trying to take care of two teenagers (...and a husband).  There are still new things.  I still have questions.  And I'm not always sure I am doing it right.  After 15 years, things are so different and yet, so much the same.  

So what do I have to show for these 15 years (besides the pin)?

Tolerance

I think the #1 thing I have after 15 years is tolerance.  And that is tolerance in the broadest sense of the word.  

I can tolerate getting up and taking care of a classroom full of students after getting little sleep when my children are sick.

I can tolerate the paperwork, lesson plans, documentation and record keeping because I know there will be a moment of creativity and connection in my students.

I can tolerate last minute schedule changes.

I can tolerate strange behaviors and ideas from my students because deep down, I know they are reaching out to me as much as I am reaching out to them.                                                                   

I can tolerate limited bathroom breaks, lunch breaks and prep time.

I can tolerate so much more than I ever expected.

Tolerance builds flexibility,

Tolerance builds patience.

Tolerance builds understanding.

Tolerance builds compassion.

Tolerance helps me deal with the ever changing expectations of me, my students and my classroom. 

Tolerance helps me see each student for who they can be regardless of their circumstances.

Tolerance helps me seek out new ideas to try when the old stuff just doesn't work anymore.

Tolerance helps me see my colleagues as collaborators whose perspectives and experiences are valuable.

Tolerance.

When I did my One Word for this year, my word was Brave.  When I got my pin, the idea of bravery grew.  I can tolerate my fears.  I can tolerate my shortcomings.  I can tolerate my anxiety.  Instead of hiding, I can use my tolerance to build my strengths.

I can tolerate a lot of things.  But, I think I can no longer tolerate the status quo.  After 15 years, I know there is more I can learn and do.  There are more students I can reach.  There are more peers I can encourage.  

Tolerance.