Reflections on GVWP Summer Institute

     As teachers, most of us got into teaching because we fell in love with learning. Education, at its core is about learning - not about the system, the method, the curriculum - the pure joy of learning. Putting the pieces together in a different way and seeing how this relates to that and that to this in a way that makes it understandable and glorious and new. Most teachers discovered this joy in childhood by experiencing life; seeing the play of light on a butterfly's wings, messing around with a magnifying glass, damming the river in the back yard or by reading a book that changed them. Most teachers did not find that joy as a student in the classroom. Sure, there were teachers and experiences that made our lives out of school richer, deeper and more meaningful, but schools, for the last 150 years have essentially been places where information was measured out and stuffed into student receptacles. Most teachers were enchanted by the idea of letting a new generation of children in on the secret, if they hadn't’ discovered it themselves, and chose to go into teaching. Where else was there to go for someone who wanted to revel in stardust, exponents and sonnets? Where else was there for someone who saw the connections between music, math and history? Unfortunately, that place may not exist, except in fairy tales.

     School is not that place. At least, not in its present form.

     Yet, there are teachers that remain true to the dream and strive and push and resist the mandates that bind us.  Teachers that want to provide their students with real experiences. Teachers that are not content to mail it in. Teachers that see the potential in every student. Teachers that despite the best efforts of the system, still get up in the morning determined to make a difference.

     I find it so refreshing to enjoy the company of my colleagues in the National Writing Project. Their clear vision and strength refreshes me time after time and gives me courage to enter the classroom or question an administrator. Whether it's building a module that pushes the fringes of the Common Core, sharing our creative writing, or quietly musing after morning reflection, it's good to know that this community exists. For this, I am so thankful.