"My Landing Gear is Activated"

     As I looked at the topic for the blog this past week I paused for at about 24 hours before posting...open mic...hmmm, what should I blog about? There is a multitude of topics related to teaching and being an NTI student that I can think of.  In a world of constant planning, teaching, grading, emails, meetings, unexpected issues that interrupt instruction and the demand to respond to administrative directives. These are the few things my weary mind can think of right now; and all the while balancing it all with precious time with my most valuable assets, my children. Tonight I chose to talk about the main dish on my plate right now. I AM IN MY FINAL SEMESTER OF NTI! Yes, one month and eight days of NTI left for me. Wow, I am SO grateful that I have been able to complete the process of going back to college after so many years of being out of school.
     When I started NTI out of sequence last January I had so much going on personally that I had to step out in faith to even start. With each day that has passed I have been graced with more strength mentally and physically and have found a new sense of accomplishment and ambition that has caused me to start the process of reaching toward some of the other goals that I have for my life. As I attend classes online, complete required assigments, and beat the clock to meet deadlines I find myself slowing down to give hugs, fix snacks, check homework, and tuck little ones into bed. I am very thankful for the gift of a deep inner peace inside that keeps me grounded. I find peace and strength in knowing that what I am doing does make a different in my students' lives and in the lives of my own children.
     As I work hard to improve myself personally and professionally, I like to think that other teachers are doing the same thing in hopes that ALL (mine included) of our children will receive the best educational experience possible. In my self talk I lean on my faith and I tell myself that I can do everything that I need to do to be successful - and I go for it! When things get really hard and seem overwhelming I find my quiet place, I think of my students, and I remind myself of how fortunate I am to have the opportunities that I have. My landing gear is down and as I prepare to land at the destination of full certification, I realize that it is actually a "layover" before I take flight to  the next venture - or shall I say ADventure!