There is so much I want to tell you, so much I want you to know about how successful our relationship is going to be. But I need to grab your attention and hold it, so I have to choose what I write carefully.
I am going to pour my heart and soul into my work at your school.
First, some background (I am all of these things, whether I'm currently doing them or not).
I am:
- Always and most importantly, a teacher
- A literacy coach
- A staff developer for The Reading and Writing Project
- A staff writer for Lucy Calkins
- An editor for Heinemann Publishing
- A blogger for Two Writing Teachers
Here's what I've been thinking lately. I miss having a school to call home. I miss the unity, the camaraderie, the striking change students undergo during a school year. I love working with a mix of teachers, visiting schools, and writing. I will continue to do these things when I can. But I also think it's time to return for a while to the heart of the work.
I haven't quite decided which is the right setting for me, and how much time to divide between you and my family. When I do, you'll be the first to know.
We'll be seeing each other soon.
Until then, I remain respectfully yours.
Anna Gratz Cockerille
Too often teachers approach a potential job as though an employer is doing them a favor by hiring them. In this time of teacher shortages, teachers need to know and state their value clearly. That's what your letter does. I haven't applied for a teaching job in a long time, but if a time comes that I need or want to seek a new teaching position, I'll be the one controlling the narrative.
ReplyDeleteI love your phrase, "return to the heart of the work". Your perspective comes from leaving the intimate world of classroom teaching. I think it gives you more focus on how to guide the learning.
ReplyDeleteYes, the "heart of the work" - the amazing world of a classroom community. I like how this honours who you are - in your career, in your family, in your professional journey.
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