Happy 2nd Anniversary

Principles of Mathematics 11 (2010)

This is a photo of one of my favorite Math 11 classes.  It is also a photo of my last day of work teaching in public schools.  This photo is bitter sweet.  On November 26, 2010 I resigned from a 16 year career teaching secondary mathematics, science, and chemistry.  I did not leave teaching because I didn’t like teaching.  I love it.  I left teaching because there was nowhere to go.  I was stuck.  How many times do I have to recreate my job to remain engaged?  Three.  Establish a continuing contract, work your way up, repost, and repeat.  This is a 5-year cycle.  After a few times, I got it.  What’s next?  Repeat the cycle?  No thank you.  What I love about education is teaching and learning.  However, pursuing a doctoral degree in education leadership was not enough.  I wanted more.  I had to walk away from my career and it has taken me 2 years to redefine myself.  Today, I feel GREAT!  I am an entrepreneur and have my own company where I consult, present, and tutor.  I am a municipal elected official as school trustee in the same school district where I taught.  I love this school district.  I am proud of the contributions I have made so far to public education as an educational leader and look forward to more.  And, I am learning.  That is the best part.  I am learning as a business owner, school trustee, and graduate student.  I feel nourished and restored.  Yes, it took me 2 years to get where I am today and it was worth it.  No regrets.  I continue to advocate for student learning, quality public education, and making mathematics fun for all.  Now that’s cool!