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! 

Home

              Let’s try a magic trick. I’m going to try to read your mind. I’m going to guess where you’re at…HOME! Did I guess right? Like many of us, we are (stuck) at home. But how do you define home? Is home a place where people live and gather? Maybe home is a place where one stays at permanently. Home might be a specific address. However you define home is up to you.

            Home is a place that you know the instant you walk into it. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh linens or maybe it’s the smell of dirty laundry. It’s a place you’re going to be greeted with a hug and kiss from mom or papa. It’s where you had your first sleepover at and where you got caught taking a cookie from the cookie jar. Home is where you want to be in times of stress because it feels safe and familiar. Home is where you’re at right now.

   Home is where my students are. Home is where my family is.     Home is where I am.

Since you’re at home reading this, here’s a list of ideas:

• Read
• Write
• Draw
• Color
• Paint
• Journal
• Exercise
• Teach
• Hide & seek
• Take a nap
• Listen to music
• Create something
• Play a board game
• Learn a magic trick
• Spend money (wisely)
• Pay your bills
• Buy a pet tarantula (or puppy)
• Learn a magic trick   
• Tell your family you love them
• Mail a letter
• Finish Monopoly
• Jump on your bed
• Zoom your family & friends
• Get your car washed
•  Spring clean
• Take out the trash
• Go on a virtual trip
• Create an instrument
• Make your bed
• Roast s’mores
• Mow your lawn
• Donate money to a charity
• Buy more toilet paper
• Play with a toy
• Enjoy a bubble bath
• Pay for someone’s meal
• Vacuum your house
• Cook for your family
• Take an online class
• Create a maze out of Legos
• Clean out your cabinets
• Fold the laundry
• Use up gift cards
• Hang up Christmas lights
• Take down Christmas lights
• Watch a Hallmark movie
• Try a new recipe
• Home Science experiment
• Build a fort
• Play “Don’t Touch the Lava”
• Make Lemonade & sell it
• Family Talent Show
• Wash your hands
• Plant a garden
• Create your own TV show
• Dance like your sister isn't watching you
• Create a collage from newspapers & magazines
• STEM challenges
• Chalk your side walk or windows
• Break out the Atari & Nintendo
• Pillow Fight
• Pajama Party
• Do a puzzle
• Water Balloon Fight
• Play a backyard sport
• Fly paper planes/ kites
• Create a Gingerbread House
• Decorate your clothes
• Make slime
• Eat dessert for lunch
• Learn a Tik Tok dance & post it
• Watch The Tiger King

Wherever you’re at, I hope you and yours are happy & healthy!

                                      - Jordan Potrzeba

The Classroom Chef

My February Discomfort Goal is cooking! It’s been a great learning experience. Sometimes my meals are delicious and sometimes the smoke alarm goes off…more than once. The more I cook the more I notice the similarities between cooking and teaching.

Cooking and teaching is about timing.

            In cooking timing can change everything. You can overcook and you can undercook your food. Paying attention to the clock is critical. Today, my pork tenderloin was slightly overcooked. Had I timed it better, it would’ve been perfect. Check on your food periodically. 

            

In teaching it seems like we never have enough time in our day. It’s almost impossible to make copies, go to the bathroom, drink our coffee (for me, Mountain Dew), and teach everything on our lesson plan.  Where does the time go? If you struggle with this, you’re not alone, try pacing. Set a timer for each part of your lesson. You can also video tape yourself or have someone observe you to see where you can improve. Some lessons are going to take longer and some are going to be shorter. Find the right balance. 

Cooking and teaching is hard…at first.

            My dishes never look like the pictures! I just want to be the next Gordon Ramsey! To make certain dishes you need certain pots and pans plus lots of ingredients. I never realized the effort it takes make a simple dish like Homemade Macaroni and Cheese. It was a lot of work for such an easy dish. I still didn't perfect it...but the smoke alarm didn't go off. I'm getting better. 

            

I still remember my first days of teaching. All the confidence I had went out the window after the first parent called me. I thought I was a failure and that I’ll never get the hang of it. Guess what…I still don’t in my fourth year of teaching. My confidence and knowledge has really growth! I’m trying and I am getting better. Keep asking questions and keep doing those engaging lessons because you think it’s what’s best for kids! You got this! 

Pass the salt and pepper.

            Salt and pepper are the two most basic ingredients on the planet, yet they are in every thing. They’re so important in cooking because they can compliment the great flavors in your dishes. If your dish is lacking something, try some salt and pepper, they make everything better…especially fries! 

            In the Essential 55, Ron Clark describes salt as the “negative forces of energy who spread their poison and make our lives difficult.” Don’t spend time with people who are salty. They will drain your energy and deter you from doing great things for kids. Instead, be peppery! Be that spice that pops! Be the teacher that skips around the school happily or dresses in the most ridiculous outfits to teach a lesson. 

A pile of plates and papers

            I’m just finishing my tasty Chicken Parmesan dish only to see mountain of pots, pans, dishes, and trash all in my sink. My jaw hits the floor in disbelief. It’s the nature of the cooking. Dinner is finished so it's time to wash all the dishes. To create these wonderful meals you have to get messy. That's okay, the taste is worth it! 

         

           It’s our Annual Reading Superbowl. There’s turf in the middle our room, students are wearing jerseys, and two field goal posts stand tall. Students are going to compete in teams for the trophy. It’s going to be a  loud day. Afterward…It was a great Superbowl! The students knew some much and had fun! Now it’s going to take me 90 minutes to take all the décor down. I love doing classroom transformations. Sometimes the decor is up for a week, and sometimes it's only up for a day. The engagement and enthusiasm from the students makes it worth it!  

________________________________________________________________

Cooking and teaching are so alike in so many ways. Some days both are easy and some days it’s better just to go through the drive thru. Don’t forget the key ingredients to success. Keep trying your best! After all, you are the chef!