Ms. M's Tales of a Teacher: My Personal Teacher Blog

Happy spring everyone! Time is flying by this school year, that's for sure! I hope everyone who had Spring Break had a chance to catch their breath, regroup, and enjoy it! Taking this time to regroup is not only well deserved but much needed.  As we enter deeper into spring and the latter half of the year,  let's continue our journey of being teacher leaders and think how we can grow as leaders. Those who know me well know that I am a fan of John Maxwell. He is an expert on leadership and I highly suggest if you don't know him to "go down the rabbit hole" with me and feel inspired. You can visit his website here: Maxwell Leadership I want to reflect on a quote I recently read by him “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”   Many people (not just teachers,) believe they have to have a title or special position to lead and make a difference. For the longest time I too equated leadership with titles and positions, especiall

Welcome back teacher friends! I am glad to be back from my break since mid-March! It seems like it went by fast yet a lot of time has passed.  I always share with other educators how important and relevant it is to take breaks, and I want to lead by example. Sure, I missed sharing my thoughts with you, but I am feeling refreshed and energized!  Last week I journeyed to San Antonio for the 2024 CEC Convention. This was my first time attending and presenting, and it did not disappoint! I was excited to experience a new city, meet all the great people that have appeared on my "Brady Bunch" screens for the past few months, and see as many details of the convention as possible.   As you’d probably expect, it was the networking and conversations that dominated the learning atmosphere of the convention. I was awe struck by the size of the Expo Hall and how many different vendors were there.  I particularly enjoyed meeting vendors from different companies from all over who all have t

Greetings fellow educators! I am feeling energized and motivated from a great weekend spent with my fellow County and State teachers of the year. We had a statewide meeting where we discussed what our passion projects are, and how we can work together to start making them come to life. It was also a time for reflection, sharing, and fun- which we all need with our colleagues! This time inspired me to think of I can help continue the momentum going after the meeting. I've learned that having an initial meeting to brainstorm is the most exciting part, but the most crucial is what happens right after that meeting to keep everyone focused and starting the work to reach the goals of passion projects.  When I asked myself how I could get started and point everyone in the right direction, I remembered something I learned from  a friend of mine, Jeanne (one of my state teacher of the year friends). We should not ask our students what they want to be when they grow up, but rather what probl

Hello fellow teacher friends! Who is fired up from the KDP Delta Rho Teacher Leadership Development Summit this weekend? I know I am! Every moment was filled with high energy, enthusiasm, and words of wisdom from those who have experience being teachers, and leaders, and I learned so much from the amazing presenters, panelists, and keynotes we had.  Teacher Leadership... two words mean so much! I still feel that there isn't an exact definition, although each time I attend the KDP Delta Rho Summit, I learn more how I personally shape the definition for myself. During the summit we unpacked what it means to be a teacher leader, what qualities leaders in general have, and how to continue to F.E.E.D the teacher leader in ourselves (and others!) Just when I think I know enough about this topic, I continue to learn more. From what I learned yesterday, other great teacher leaders agree lifelong learning plays a large part of who we are as teacher leaders. It's one of the keys to effec

Greetings fellow teacher leaders! I can't believe I'm saying this but...w e are one week away from the KDP, Delta Rho, Teacher Leadership Development Summit on 2/24/24. If you haven't heard by now, it is a free virtual summit open to all educators everywhere! Please visit my social media for information, or reach out to me! There’s still time to register, so grab all your teacher besties and sign up!  Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we have broken down F.E.E.D to get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers that will give us the fuel we need to confidently lead in our classrooms, schools, and beyond! With one week left, we only have one last concept to unpack!  So far we talked about “F”- Foundations. Discovering our own definition for teacher leadership is the foundation for growing as a teacher leader, and embracing the role. We then discussed “E”- Engagement, and how it is all about what yo

Welcome to another week of inSpiration and thinking my friends! Are you ready to elevate yourself as a teacher leader? I know I am... and it's something I'm always looking to do. For me, I can't get enough of personal and professional growth. It's what keeps me both grounded yet motivated to reach for the stars. While some may tell me I take on too much and I need to learn "the balance," others say "let me join you!" I agree that I need to take some time for me and rest, no doubt, but I think if my aspirations are my weakest part of me, then, well, overall I'm doing just fine!  I'm excited that in just two weeks my chapter of KDP will be hosting our Teacher Leadership Development Summit for the second time!  Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we have, and will continue to break down F.E.E.D and get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers that will give us the fuel we