I think participating in this #8WeeksofSummer blog challenge over the years shows me how quickly the weeks peel off the calendar. I can’t believe it is already Week 7! Thank you, Penny, for hosting us again this year.
My situation is evolving. I know I will need more professional development as I continue working literacy to English language learners. I don’t know what I will be doing exactly when I move back to the U.S. in January, but I will keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities.
Well, this is a timely post! It’s bringing me back to my first 8 Weeks of Summer blog post where I shared my summer PD goals:
I will finish my TESOL Advanced Certificate Program.
I will do some work on my year plan and related resources for my grade 5 English learner class.
I will read 8 children and young adult books, which is nourishment for my soul as a reading teacher.
I will blog about my learning (and whatever else is in store for the #8WeeksofSummer challenge) at least 8 times.
Now, we are in week 7. It’s a good time to review what I planned and see how I’m doing.
First, my plan to finish my TESOL certificate has failed. I had believed that certificate would serve as credit for my teacher license re-certification credit, but, alas, it didn’t. When I went to renew my license, I saw that it would not count for the credit I needed. Instead I signed up for two other courses–Six Traits of Writing and Fierce Teaching. These are great classes, which will help me in my teaching and get me re-certified. By the way, my TESOL certificate will still be completed, but I’ll wait until the fall.
Second, I am continuing my work on my year plan for grade 5. Not as much as I want, but I will work more in August.
Third, regarding the nourishment for my soul, I am reading! In fact, I sometimes have to slap my hand and put the book down. I’ve read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, and I have almost finished The Reckoning by John Grisham. In addition, my suitcase has 220 children’s books to take back to Bahrain. I’m enjoying reading many of them too.
Fourth, I have managed to keep up blogging for the #8WeeksofSummer challenge. Thank you, Penny!
In addition, Gallit and I are enthusiastically working on the second edition of The Genius Hour Handbook.
I’m definitely learning, growing, and so busy this summer. I’m also having a wonderful time visiting my family. In August, when I travel back to Bahrain, I’ll get even more busy with my many professional development goals.