The 2013-2014 school year was filled with true educational drama. Emotionally I was mentally drained and wondered how I would be able to muster up the strength to share with my new arrivals, my true passion for science.  Last school year I can recall was one of my best years in science education.  I taught relevant science and I had my students engaged in activities just about every other day.

Fast forward this year, with the new administration, there are new expectations and they are all mostly centered on “test scores”.   Student’s performance on these assessments’ will now be a direct reflection of me as a teacher.  I would be the first to say that I have hit a brick wall; how do I teach to a test I have no idea.

A parent came in for a conference and basically told me that his child was “bored” with my class. I was a bit bothered by his statement but I am fully aware that this is directly due to my nervousness about testing. My goal moving forward is to renew my lost passion and figure out that balance in order to bring life back into my classroom.  I truly feel her pain because I am also bored to tears!

This was a tough conversation to have but as a result of my parent conference, I had an epiphany my “aha moment” so to speak.  Due to my Kenan Fellowship, I have nothing but educational ammunition to be that exciting science teacher I once was but still teach the state standard.  I have so many resources and a cohort of supporters, all I have to do is make connections and or ask for help.