I look back at my mindset and expectations last May and remember (aside from not knowing what exactly the fellowship entailed) thinking if I was worthy of this experience. I asked many questions like, “Will I be able to match the caliber of excellence?” and “Who was I to think that I deserved such an honor?” But I was also thinking that I earned this experience and was selected by my own efforts in the application and the interview.
During my summative teacher evaluations for the last few years, I was at the distinguished level in everything except leadership beyond my classroom. Sure, I conducted the random and somewhat not involved workshops. But my principal wanted me to step up more and be a force…not just a follower.
This is where my Kenan experience really provided the knowledge, know how and experience opportunities to be a leader for my colleagues anywhere in education…not just in my grade level or school. I think that the DPI fellowship was the perfect match for me, too. I was able to learn about something that impacted all of North Carolina’s teachers and practice what was preached to me during the Kenan professional development sessions. I presented at three state conferences, was videotaped for DPI, created workable lessons that would assist teachers in navigating some of the features of Home Base, and met some amazing and dedicated educators both in my cohort and at DPI. I couldn’t have asked for a more applicable and meaningful experience!
I now know that I can speak to an audience beside just children, that I have important things to say and that to exact change in a system that I love and believe in…I must speak out!
Have I grown? You betcha!