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Published: 2023-07-28 7:17 AM

Category: Life | Tags: teaching, job change, career, chemistry

Today is my last day with my current school district. A little over eight years ago, I started mid-year, taking over a class that had been taught by substitutes since the beginning of the year. Since then, I've moved into instructional coaching and leading a team of instructional coaches who provide support for over 1,000 teachers and administrators.

I never considered this work as a possibility when I started. I've had a lot of trust given to me. I've learned how to work as part of an agile, effective team and that equipped me to lead the same team as people left over time.

But it's time to get back to the classroom. Next year, I'll be back in the chemistry classroom at the local high school.

There are several things that contributed to my decision this spring, but the main one is that my new school is local - just a five minute drive (or a 15 minute bike ride). I'm currently spending more than an hour and a half each day just driving...moving closer to home is going to drastically change my time.

A mentor has also encouraged me to get more time in the classroom. I taught for six years before moving to the coaching role which isn't nothing, but it's not quite enough to have the perspective I think I need to do true administrative work. I'm looking forward to re-learning how to put ideas in to practice. I'm looking forward to working with students every day. I'm excited about working with a dedicated team of local teachers who have a great culture of teaching and learning together. I'm looking forward to being part of the team teaching children who live next door and around the corner.