Comments on: Another dumb, crazy, stupid idea. Or is it?

By: Melanie Holtsman

Melanie Holtsman — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:15:19 +0000

I admire your vision! How exciting! I plan on living vicariously through your non-steady-working life and seeing what cool things you will be able to do.

By: Rachel Boyd

Rachel Boyd — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:21:12 +0000

WOW, what a decision to make!
I’m sure a fantastic opportunity will open up and come your way now that you’ve made the big leap of faith

By: Jamin Lietze

Jamin Lietze — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:30:53 +0000

Simon - I admire your courage. I reckon you have just changed up into 5th gear by making this move. May it make you a better man, educator and Father. May God bless you and your decision.

By: Marnie

Marnie — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:23:26 +0000

Well done Simon. I am sure most teachers can say they have considered doing the same. I will be watching with interest what you get up to. We always need relievers in Auckland…. a huge shortage at the moment if you want to come up here!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:04:21 +0000

Congratulations!
Sounds like a strange things to say… but I think as Jenny says above this could be a great gain for others and yourself.

Scary but well worth it, good luck!

By: Jenny Sitech

Jenny Sitech — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:45:42 +0000

Do you want to come to a dinner party…

Seriously, a huge loss for Peterhead but could be a gain for the teaching community at large.

Good luck!

By: Suzanne Shall

Suzanne Shall — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:21:13 +0000

Dear Dragon09,
Your quest is noble and totally understandable. You should always consider yourself a teacher, I’m sure you will find yourself teaching others no matter what your job title defines.

The job you describe that you want is mine. I am an instructional coach in a Learning Community. I visit every classroom, conduct observation lessons daily, model best practice for teachers, facilitate professional development both in my school and in the district. I focus on the big picture for moving the school forward in curriculum and instruction. This year’s focus is on the integration of technology. I also get out to other places. I attend about 3 national conferences a year and do consulting work across our nation in mathematics, literacy, and leadership. I also host upwards of 400 administrators, teachers, and business executives each year to showcase the work going on in our school. This allows me to stay in contact with educators across our nation.

My principal trusts me to work hard but really does not define my role. Each year (its been 6 years now) my role changes slightly based off the focus I set. I find that this allows me to continue to develop professionally so I have more to offer others. I stay flexible, set my own schedule, and get paid (as a teacher) for the job I adore.

Keep seeking your dream job…I’m rooting for you!

By: Allanahk

Allanahk — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:04:49 +0000

You are very brave- I found last term when I took LWOP that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the extra stuff that we think we need.

I hope you keep on blogging about your journey as it is one that many of us ordinary teachers think about doing but are often too scared of.

I would love to have the courage to do the same.

All the best.

Allanah