Skip to main content

Introspection and Inspiration



Marsh and Brooks 2010

When I opened Blogger, I was blindsided by the Adventures of 2010 Dana and her sparsely documented teaching debut. As I perused a first-time graduate student's conveniently forgotten basic writing, my impulse was to archive the posts. Then I thought, "Why? Why would I hide such a journey?" Isn't it fitting that I revive my blog in my first year as a doctoral candidate? I think, "Yes!" 


The Journey - A Beginning

My first two semesters as a doctoral candidate have come and gone. Throughout them, I was stricken by COVID-19...TWICE!  I experienced academically induced anxiety and fear but, in the end, was overcome with exhilaration. I met (virtually) the world's most supreme group of collegiates (#CohortOne) with whom I laughed and wept. I felt confident, then I was defeated, only to persevere into assuredness. 

The fall of 2021 and the spring of 2022 were semesters of growth. It has been said that there is a time for every season. This season was one of introspection and melioration. It was one where I discovered I have essential contributions to share. However, as I learned at the end of the fall semester from a valuable piece of feedback, I provide evidence of thorough and effective problem-solving approaches to research in my writing. But, I do not put forth an effort to lead innovative approaches to methods of analysis that inspire transformative change and development. This is why I rekindled my relationship with Blogger.

Moving Forward

 If I am not putting forth an effort to lead innovative approaches and inspire transformative change and development, why am I walking on this path? Future posts will address innovative approaches and transformation. My goal is to become one who inspires others to look at situations through alternate lenses and to call for reform in action. Here's hoping I can incite inspiration without eliciting controversy. 

Until next week! 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My license

So...it's the end of November, and I finally received my license.  Although it's only a provsional license....it still makes me feel more official!  Now, I will finally get to sign my contract. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Conundrums and Impact

This is not the post I planned to publish this month. My intent for this post was to discuss rurality and its impact on Fort Smith teachers (I promise, there is an impact). But, it can wait until next month. Instead, let's chat about uncomfortable and awkward professional moments.  A couple of months ago, I interviewed for a local, rural high school principal position. I was stoked about the opportunity, so I Showed Up  for the interview! To prepare, I studied the population, the community traditions, the instructional strengths and weaknesses, and how the school leadership communicated with the external community. I even familiarized myself with local organizations interconnected with the school community. It was absolutely the best interview I have ever had. I actually drove away, terrified that I may be selected as the instructional leader of a high school when I have absolutely no high school experience.   Fast forward to May 18 and an invitation to interview for...
Post a Comment
Read more

There are good days....and there are bad days!

So....we are well into the second quarter.  My kids trust me, they talk to me, they help in the classroom, and most of them want to make me proud; HOWEVER, there are the handful who continue to disrupt and I just don't know how to get through to them.  My days are filled with engaging activities, but, I have found a flaw in it:  Our children expect to be stimulated every second of every day and they are not being taught the skill of being quiet and still.  Is this not a skill that they will need to advance to junior high and high school?  College and adulthood?  Are we not doing the children a disservice?  So....my solution is this.  YES, engage them in activities that will assist them in making an emotional connection, but also, have time set aside each day for notetaking and reflection.  Although I realize that I am not supposed to "teach to the test", if I don't teach the test, how do my students know how to successfully take the test?...
Post a Comment
Read more