27

It’s that time of the year where we reflect on the year we had. Like others, I had a year. Normally, I’d do a year in a review, but I did that in my November blog. Since I turned 27 this year, let’s end the year with 27 things that made this year great.

 

1.     12 Blogs!  #GoalAccomplished

2.     Reading lots of books: Running with the Buffaloes, Projet 1065

3.     TV Shows: Tiger King, Ozark, the Mandalorian, Schitt’s Creek

4.     Surprising my students at sporting events and McDonalds

5.     Traveling to Oklahoma and Louisiana

6.     Switching schools in the middle of a pandemic

7.     Moving to a safer apartment with a great view

8.     Having my first surgery to repair my left foot

9.     Long bicycle rides with endless paths

10.  Winning a $500 grant

11.  Going on dates

12.  Eating at Raising Canes/ trying exotic food

13.  Visiting St. Augustine with my class

14.  Winning a professional development trip the Mall of America

15.  Giving out our first VIP jacket

16.  Traveling to Ohio with a friend for a week trip

17.  Having Courtney, Todd, Shane, Dustin, Juan virtual reads

18.  Getting kissed for the first time in years

19.  Giving away $500 in gift cards

20.  Sharing my story with former teachers at Cracker Barrel 

21.  Writing personalized notes to friends, family, and students

22.  500 High Five Fridays (before Covid-19)

23.  Running my first mile on Christmas, since January

24.  Having 27 projects funded, totaling over $5,000

25.  Building bookshelves

26.  Speaking to 100+ 4^th graders about books

27.  Meeting fellow Nebraskans in Florida

28.  Sunday night virtual read alouds with costumes!

29.  Showering for the first time after surgery…weeks later

30.  Finishing 2 online classes

 

Okay, so I added an extra three to the list. Despite all the downfalls, breakups, and injuries, I really enjoyed this year. I truly believe I grew more this year, than most. I’m excited to for the BEST YEAR EVER in 2021! You will too!

Year in Review 2020 Edition

Like most people, 2020 was a tough year for me. But it was also a really powerful year of growth in many ways. My word of the year ‘discomfort’ definitely was a foreshadowing.

 

        In 2020, I overcame some of the hardest moments in my personal life that very people know about. Most people know about my foot injury that happed in January, but very few know that the surgery that followed was not deemed successful. …Everyone knows about my decision to switch schools, but nobody knows much financially I gave up; or all the friendships I left behind to help a rebuilding school with teachers I didn’t know of. …Most people know I was in a relationship this year, but no one knows it ended suddenly when I was ghosted and blindsided completely. Those are the toughest moments. 

 

        This year had some really good moments. For me, this is my eleventh straight blog! I promise I’m going to write a twelfth in December and accomplish my ‘blog a month’ goal! It’s been helpful for my well being so I’m going to keep doing them past 2020. In April, I was invited to go on a spontaneous trip to Ohio and I accepted it. Little did I know during it, I’d go on a Survivor like adventure and get a phone call about an interview I dreamed of. As weird as it sounds being in a relationship and going through a breakup was really good for me so I’m happy it happened. I can’t forget the new apartment I moved in has a great view! I also learned how to cook! And finally, its been my best year of teaching I’ve ever done, and that’s without all the crazy classroom transformations. It’s been a good year! 

 

        In 2020, I matured. Maybe I’m hitting that age in a young man’s life or maybe I’m learning more about myself than I ever have. This year I lived in the moment and did things I would have never done in years past (…those things will remain a secret, sorry). I’ve also let go of countless things and that’s not the normal “Jordan Way”. In years past, I’m a fighter for what I want, but this year when the bell rung, I stopped. For all those things, I mentioned I’m really proud of myself.

 

        Did my year of ‘discomfort” live up to its name? Yes, it absolutely did! Did it go as planned? No, and if you find anyone’s year that went as planned, please let me know, seriously. I’m still optimistic I’m going to heal from my surgery and chase my dreams: going Skydiving, running my first full marathon, visit all 50 states, climb a mountain, and more! But all and all, I made the most of this year. 

        I grew up more than I ever have and learned life is more fun when you let go and live everyday as if it’s your last. I just know… 2021 will be the BEST YEAR EVER! 

Green Light

I pushed down my crutches, grabbed a chair, and then as gracefully as I could, I stood up on a desk. The students’ horrified jaws dropped in disbelief at what they were seeing their teacher with a broken foot doing. “Tonight, you’re going go home and tell your parents about this firsthand account about you just saw. Virtual students, I’m sure you’re going to share your secondhand account with your parents too. …Now can someone help me get down?”  

 

        The things I’ll do to teach a standard are almost endless. My first year of teaching in a private school I dressed up as Martin Luther to teach my class about the 95 Theses. Another year, I transformed my portable into a jungle with real fines and dirt that littered our floor where students had to dig for minerals and organisms. 

 

        The experiences we give students last a lifetime and I believe the time put into them are worth it. For me, even post surgery on a knee scooter and crutches…I’ve been given the     green light. Like the rules of the road, there are things I can do, can’t do, or can but with caution. 

        How is your personal life? Do you feel like the red light hasn’t changed in months? I’m raising my hand high to that. If you combine my foot injury in January, the global pandemic in March, moving new cities and schools in June, and surgery in September, I feel like I’ve been glued at the red light in a downpour of rain. I’m sure I’m not alone. 

 

        That’s why this month I changed my routine and the red light suddenly turned GREEN! It was the greatest feeling ever. I did a few things differently. First and foremost, I realized how I was feeling and was determined to change it. 

 

Here’s my list of changes I made. 

·      Changed my route to and from work once a week

·      Devoted more time to socially connect with friends in person 

·      Complete as much as I can on my school checklist each day

·      Went to bed at an earlier time

·      Spent less time on social media, more time reading & resting.

·      One day a week, it’s pizza day! (Sometimes ice cream) 

·      Sit outside when the sun is coming up and listen to nature

·      Focus only on what I can control and let the other things go

 

        Whatever you’re going through, whether you’re reading this now, or ten years from now, look up, you have the green light! It’s time to go (with a mask on)! 

Surgery

I woke up and it was all a blur. The surgery was over, and I couldn’t feel my foot. It seemed like I was asleep for a minute. If only it was that easy…

 

Five days ago I crossed surgery off my bucket list, not that I ever intended it to be something I was giddy to check off. The road to recovery is filled with knee scooters, crutches, and LOTS of falling. But it’s just what the doctor ordered and it’s my job to do what’s asked of me.

 

In January I suffered a left foot injury that left me in excruciating pain ever since. I tried to do the minimal things to recover. Even spending my entire summer indoor off my foot, but it wasn’t enough.

 

My doctor hoped the saying, “time heals all wounds” would heal my foot pain, but time nor prescriptions did the trick. Eventually you have to do what’s necessary, and sometimes it’s surgery.

 

Think of this global pandemic. Everyone, teachers included, were told to make changes to their personal lives and careers very quickly. No one was asked. It was mandatory. From a teacher viewpoint it has been anything but easy. It’s been the exact opposite and downright scary. I do believe good things will come out of it.

 

New safer procedures are in place for the new “normal”. Teachers have learned new technology tools and are better equipped to teach with technology. Lastly, teachers have gained a new respect in the world, even if our paychecks don’t reflect it.

 

In time my surgery (if it was successful) will help me able to get back to walking and running normally again. But right now it’s hard and frustrating. Simple tasks like putting on clothes and taking a shower take me much longer. Even getting up to grab a snack isn’t normal. Temporarily, all of this is painful, but if I do what’s asked of me, I believe the “surgery” will be worth it in the long run.

 

Whatever “surgery” you’re going through, you got this! Take the medicine, learn, and be ready for the next day!

- Jordan Potrzeba

 

What If...

I’ve seen a lot of good, bad, and ugly. I’ve been told “I’m different and don’t fit in.” I’ve rarely been allowed to be a teacher I’m hired for. This first month was supposed to be anything but smooth, but it has been. The word “fluid” and “building an airplane while flying it” are the popular words in education right now. Honestly, I haven’t had that experience.

 

Picture the first day you arrive to your school. The doors are locked and no one can see inside. The music is blaring. Suddenly the doors open! Balloons, confetti, red carpet, and administration dancing greet you as you walk the red carpet in style! Chick- Fil-A, a variety of cold drinks, and a welcome bag with your name is waiting for you.

 

But it gets better! The administrations know how to pronounce your last name! This never happens…EVER! They pronounced it flawlessly. To top it off, another teacher is waiting to take me away to your classroom. As you walked the halls, artwork welcomes you all the way to your room!

 

When you thought it couldn’t get better, it did! Your principal has you go on a scavenger hunt to find your new house! Teachers voluntarily celebrate as you join your new house, maybe theirs. Later in the day, as you’re hard at work, music blares again closer and closer and closer to your room. Confetti rains down and you’re handed your official house shirt and another goody bag!

 

As the month progresses, you have many ideas about what you can and can’t do in your classroom. Every time your principal meets your idea with a responding YES. Never has this happened. You create your dream classroom, even with social distancing measures in place. As the month as progresses, you have an idea you thought my principal would surely say no to because after all, your other principal rejected it. To your dismay, not only does your new principal not only said yes but she wants to be in your classroom to witness the magic & take pictures.

 

What if… I told you that was my reality this August. I’ve never had a start like this to my school year. When I hear the stories from my colleagues about life at their school, my heart breaks. I’ve been in their shoes and it’s not fun. Leaving my former school was the hardest decision because I loved everything about it. Working at my new school wonderful an was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up on. I finally feel I like I can be myself and be the teacher I’ve always dreamed of being!  

 

To everyone my from principal, the staff, especially my partner teacher, to the parents and students, thank you for allowing to teach. We’re going to have the BEST YEAR EVER!

Seek

Aww! The sun is shining! Families are enjoying their vocations! Teachers are in their classrooms decorating with reckless abandonment! Sports are officially back! Life is GOOD! If only it was that simplistic. The truth is, some families are struggling to find work, teachers are piecing together their classrooms under a microscope, and sports are back…without fans.

We’re halfway through 2020, and if it was anything like the first half, I’ll keep saying my prayers and wearing my mask. That’s our new normal whether we like it or not. Fair or foul, things still aren’t what we’re used to. To switching schools in the middle of a pandemic to finding out I’ll need to have plantar fasciitis surgery, my word of the year “Discomfort” has definitely lived up to its name.

In the midst of a deadly pandemic we have to keep seeking. We have to seek happiness. You know those moments you took for granted before Covid-19 hit. What about the moments in your day that go unchanged? The ones you enjoy without thinking about them. Think for moment and write them down.

For me, I seek the moments of peace I have when I can hear the waves at night. I also seek that first scrumptious bite of my chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A! (Not a sponsor, but I would love to!)  I can’t forget about seeking all the binge reading and watching I’ve been able to do. I highly recommend Community on Netflix and reading Projekt 1065.

It’s the simple things that I seek. With some many unknowns about my upcoming surgery and the school year I refuse to let myself seek what I can’t control. I won’t do it and neither should you! I promise it’s going to be okay. You and I will get through it!

Don’t forget to call your mom & make your bed. It’s the little accomplishments that I seek. So stop reading this and go seek something that will make you happy & put a smile on your face! You deserve that! Start seeking today!

Moving Toward Success

Fold, tape, pack, repeat. The progress of moving is never an easy one. It requires planning, anticipation, heavy lifting, compromise, and change. The time it takes to get acclimated after a move can take weeks, months, and even years. But it might be just be the best thing for you.

Dating all the way back to my fourth year of college, I’ve moved six times in six years,. It’s become a routine of sorts. Come June, you can almost always expect to see a U-Haul with my face in the driver’s seat. All six moves were to different cities (not job switches). Two of the six moves were to different states; the biggest was moving to Florida, a state I had never visited. Five of the six moves traveled more than 45 minutes. And luckily…four of the six moves I stayed on the first floor. 

I’m constantly moving, almost non-stop. I’m not talking about moving to get exercise. I do that too and encourage you to do it. I’m talking about moving toward my goals and my tribe and to a better life. I will not settle where I’m at until I’m happy and I believe you shouldn’t either.

What’s one goal you have for yourself? Maybe it’s a fitness goal. Maybe it’s a career or financial goal. Now how are you going to accomplish it? What steps do you need to create to do it? Do you know the steps? Can you achieve that goal where you currently are? 

For me, I find myself saying ‘no’ to many of the answers above and as a result I move. I don’t just wake up, snap my fingers, and move. I carefully weigh my options, think of finances, and talk to my closest and realist allies. Moving is stressful and often difficult. It takes thoughtful planning and lots of communication. If I believe it’s in my best interest to do so, then I start packing my things.

I have a friend who’s moved TWELEVE different times to multiple states. TWELEVE times! She and her husband refused to settle for mediocrity. I’m happy to say they’re happily living in Florida with their two dogs, teaching at a school they love! Your life is too short to stay confined to one location or job that you aren’t enjoying.

Moving to a new job, a new city, and a new address is full of many scary unknowns. But you’ll never know unless you take that daring step. Sometimes you’re going to fall. But sometimes you’re going to soar! That’s a risk I will be willing to take because my happiness is worth it. 

You deserve to live in a location that is safe and comfortable and meets your life. You deserve to work in a place that values, challenges, and grows you. You deserve all this and more. So grab a box! 

Goodbye, DLE

The tears flowed down my face. The words refused to come out of my mouth. I knew what I had to do. I never imagined it would be this hard…again. Finally I said it, “I won’t be returning to DLE next year. The shocked look on their faces through the screen said it all. I put my hands over my face and began to sob.

In a few days, I went from being 100% committed to returning to my school and renewing my apartment lease, to all the sudden switching in the middle of a pandemic. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but was tougher than I imagined. Leaving behind students that had a profound impact on me, selfless parents, and an amazing staff was almost unbearable. It was not an easy decision. I sought out professionals and my truest friends to help give me straight forward advice. To my surprise, all ten told me to take the job. In my heart I know this is the right decision for me. 

This year I bought big “FAMILY” letters and posted in them on our classroom wall. This stood as an emphasis anytime my students, myself, or any visitor walked into our classroom for what we stood for. This also stood as reminder that in good or bad times, we stick together and will overcome any challenge. We didn’t have a perfect year, but we all came together when it mattered most. We achieved many great things too! Students broke many classroom & school records. Our attendance was off the charts. Students were actually excited to come to read. I’m proud of every single one of them.

We let no obstacles get in the way. Early in the school year after a hardship, I still did everything I promised I would do…and more. When I sprained my ankle in late January and was forced into crutches and a boot, the next day I created the biggest Superbowl classroom transformation I’ve ever done. My students were a big help. And when the pandemic hit, our class was the first class in our county to resume digital learning and read alouds. Why? Because when the students had an idea, we found a found a way to make it happen. 

With all that said, you have to take advantage of the opportunities you’re given. Even it means saying the hardest goodbyes. I would’ve never guessed this new opportunity would come around as fast as it did. I don’t live my life with regrets, and neither should you. I’m heartbroken to leave behind a place I called home and put so much into. I gave it 100% everyday I was there and really tried to enjoy the littlest moments, instead of taking a camera snapchat of every little thing we did. I believe my students did too. 

I’m still torn over leaving. It’s not easy. I had the best year ever thanks to so many people that helped me grow. Shout out to my students for who I will always remember and be inspired by. Goodbye DLE. 

Technology Overload

The coach calls your name, the referee blows the whistle, he signals for you. It’s time for you to go into the game. Yes, you! It’s time! Not tomorrow. Not later today. Right now! Whether you’re ready or not, it’s your turn! Get going!

When the pandemic first started, panic set in. Questions like: how are teachers going to teach, how are students going to take tests, and when are students going to have recess (yes, a parent asked that one) were being asked. Emails about how to digitally teach flooded our inboxes faster than toilet paper being taken off shelves. We were given resource after resource, app after app, meeting after meeting. It was a technology overload!

If you had a moment where you wanted to push away your device and cry while eating a bucket of ice cream, I promise you weren’t the only one. That’s normal …and delicious. If you miss your students and wish you were back in the classroom, you aren’t alone either. We all do! Right now your job is to teach in front of a 15 inch screen and you can do it!

Here are my “Lucky 7” tips:

1.     Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing enough. The fact that you’re trying is a great start. Good job! Keep doing whatever it that you’re doing. The kids are learning.

2.     Speaking of which…you ARE doing a good job! You’re using the same app again and again…so what? You’re trying your best and I bet you’re getting better at it. 

3.     Read a book or attend a virtual PD. Most are FREE and your district is offering them daily when you’re available. Some are free or discounted with digital download. The best part…you can be in your pajamas with your coffee in hands. 

4.     Ask for help. Experts are available 24/7. If that isn’t your style, ask your colleagues, your admin, or even your child. You’re not alone in this. Reach out to someone. Friends and experts will help you. I will help you. 

5.     Have fun! Create weekly challenges for your kids! Dress up days (check the national calendar), lip sing songs, have story time! Smile! Give virtual high fives.

6.     Learn something new once a week & use it! Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, social media is overloaded with great ideas. You don’t have to sign up, just type in the search bar or just a #hashtag. Bonus points if it’s not school related. 

7.     Relax. Stopping checking your email. It’s five o’clock. That Dojo message can wait. Go binge watch Ozark. The dog really is dying to play fetch and you want some fresh air anyway. By the way…your husband and daughter are hungry. 

10 Apps/ websites my students are using:

·      Google Classroom

·      Flipgrid

·      Nearpod

·      EpicBooks

·      ThingLink

·      Padlet

·      News-o-Matic

·      Prezi

·      Haiku Deck

·      Book Creator 

Just know this: You are enough! You’re students are learning. You’re learning a lot too! You’re doing a great job!