A Thankful Educator

What's the week of Thanksgiving if not an opportunity to think about what we're thankful for? As educators, there's lots that can bring stress to our lives: a new educator evaluation system that feels overwhelming at times, standardized tests, frustrations about how to best teach each student. It's important to make ourselves stop, breathe, shake off the things we can't control, and focus on what can be so wonderful about this field.

Here are some things I am thankful for as an educator:

• The curiosity and drive of first graders, striving passionately to become the best readers and writers they can be
• The wonderful blend of serious and goofy that is a 7th grade classroom
• The inquisitiveness of high school chemistry students, bravely asking questions, determined to master the subject's demands
• The teachers I coach, who are dedicated to learning, growing, and reflecting
• The opportunity to continue learning through professional development, through my interactions with colleagues, through my own research
• The moment I am privileged to witness -- when a lightbulb goes off above a learner's head, when everything suddenly clicks
• The gift of working in a profession that allows me time off during holidays to spend with my family and friends, relaxing and recharging
• The beauty of knowing I work in a field that has a tremendous impact on people's lives

Happy Thanksgiving, readers! Enjoy the break, and take some time to reflect on what you're thankful for as an educator.
See you in December!