#OneWord 2020 - Part One

It is said that "one cannot catch up on sleep". According to Matt Walker, a scientist who specializes in brain activity, "sleep is a non-negotiable, biological necessity" for humans who "are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep for no apparent reason". If that is the case, then I am not sure what I have been doing for the past week. It sure feels as if I am "catching up on sleep" when I'm getting ten or more hours a night. 

Should I disturb him, or just go back to sleep?

I'm a little concerned about next Monday morning, when the alarm goes off at 7:00. 

How difficult will it be to get back into a regular routine?

This is compounded further by the dubious choices I've made with my diet. It's time to put the chocolate, candy, chips, cheese, beer and bourbon well out of reach.

For me, January 1 has, for the past four years, been a day of reflection and a chance to lay down plans for determining my #OneWord. The #OneWord Challenge is a social media movement that encourages individuals to choose a single word as their focus for the year. Some, like me, connect that word to S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Last year, my #OneWord was PERSIST and I set goals in this blog post.

Reflecting on that post and my #OneWord I think I've been reasonably successful:

• My fitness goals were somewhat derailed by three injuries and a bout of shingles - but, I'm persisting. 
• I have persisted with Duolingo Spanish and my study streak is at 565 days.
• I played guitar a little less but, I've been taking piano lessons for three months and I practise regularly.
• I persisted with my writing, averaging a blog post every six days.

In Part Two of this post, I will choose my #OneWord for 2020 and try to establish a few S.M.A.R.T. goals. I also hope to share how I incorporate #OneWord and Goal Setting Lessons with my students.

Teaching Transition

Two years ago, around this date, I learned that I had successfully applied for the role of Instructional Coach with my school board (TVDSB). I was excited. It was a change that I needed and it has not disappointed. I have loved working in this role.

• I have been provided with exceptional professional learning opportunities.
• I have been immersed in a collegial environment that is highly-engaged, richly-positive and forward-thinking. 
• I have been given a shelf full of academic texts on a wide range of valuable subjects (literacy, mathematics, visible learning, leadership, etc.) and been provided with time to absorb & discuss them.
• I have worked with dozens of passionate & dedicated educators in every elementary school grade (JK-8). Together, we have discussed pedagogy, created learning opportunities, witnessed student growth and made valuable mistakes. 
• I have worked with 6 different administration teams and have a better understanding of the challenges they face and the different methods they use to approach Professional Development & School Culture.

Most educators will tell you that they get slightly better every year. This opportunity has fast-tracked that experience by at least ten years and I know I am better prepared for my own classroom than I have ever been.

About a week ago, I learned that all teaching members of our board's Learning Support Services (LSS) would be declared "surplus" and would be returning to the classroom. Ontario is going through some changes as the relatively newly elected Progressive Conservative government continues to place it's stamp on education - including budget cuts. Consequently, I have been asked to prepare for a return to a classroom in September.

I am fine with it. I'd be happy to continue as an Instructional Coach for another year but, I am also excited about the prospect of having my own group of students. My seniority level is high, so I am fortunate. I should be able to secure an interview for every available position to which I apply. 

I have been thinking about my priorities so that I can zero-in on a situation that is best for me, and therefore my future students.

• No portable - I want a classroom. My frustrations with portables have been well documented. This is a non-negotiable, I'll give up many of the other priorities to guarantee myself a space in a classroom (with space, cupboards and a sink).
• Good access to technology. I'd like to have access to a class set of Chromebooks for 60-100 minutes a day. I'd also like 6-8 permanent Chromebooks in the room ...and a couple IPads.
• As a one car family, it is important that my school is either walking distance or on a bus route near my home (with no transfers required.) I live near downtown - so this opens many options.
• Air conditioning in the school would be nice.
• I think I want to return to Grade 8 or Grade 7/8.
• Alternately, I think I could make a difference in Grade 5 or 6 particularly in mathematics.

There are so many other factors that might swerve me in a new direction. Teaching with other coaches or former colleagues who I know will make great partners is certainly something that could make me re-think my priorities.

Regardless, I know I need to head into this with a plan. I only have a few years left and I want to maximize my impact. 

#OneWord 2019

It's been a quiet and reflective start to 2019. I just finished watching the Winter Classic (the annual outdoor NHL hockey game that always airs January 1st.) This year, the Boston Bruins defeated the Chicago Blackhawks at Notre Dame Stadium. I did my Spanish lesson and cruised Twitter for a bit. It seems that another tradition, the #OneWord challenge, is also trending.

Last year, I wrote the following post and reflected on my goals for 2018. I chose the word CULTIVATE and I set four goals for myself.

1. I planned to cultivate a healthier lifestyle and I was somewhat successful. I eliminated all refined sugars (even things that convert easily to sugar - bread, rice, pasta, etc.) for the entire month of January and I easily dropped 20 lbs. I've kept most of it off, but I did notice that my "cheat day" became "cheat days" and this stopped the weight loss. I tried the "100 push-ups a day for 30 days" challenge four times. I failed in each month from September to December - but certainly got stronger. I am starting again today - as my toe injury (which took me out for two weeks) has finally healed.
2.  I wanted to cultivate my creative spirit. Again, I was somewhat successful. The middle-school novel I was writing sputtered, but I did complete a good number of blog posts and began working with a group of musicians on a Jukebox Musical about the life of Tom Petty. That might see some action next summer - it all depends on the rights to the music.
3. I wanted to cultivate my learning. I persisted with my Spanish on a daily basis - I'm at over 200 straight days on my current streak. I can now read at about a Grade 4 level, but I still struggle with hearing and responding. A trip to Spain in the summer for my wife's 50th birthday should help fix this. I played my guitar sporadically and, sadly, the saxophone never left the case.
4. I wanted to cultivate my capacity for giving to the community. I am fortunate that I have a job that allows me to mentor children & collaborate with educators. I'd like to continue to try to do more. 

Overall, 2018 was a fine year. I'm healthy (generally), I am in a wonderful marriage, I have cats that dote on me, I have a job I love, I got to go to New York City on a surprise vacation, my family members are alive and are doing well and I have so many great friends. I guess I am more this 

than this.

So, what's the plan for 2019 and what's my #Oneword going to be? 

I'll go with PERSIST.

• I am going to persist with the same goals I set for myself last year...maybe even get to that 30 day mark with my Push Ups and, who knows, perhaps pull my saxophone from its case.
• I am going to go refined sugar free until Superbowl and persist with good eating habits beyond that date.
• I am going to persist in my role as instructional coach and see if I can get more opportunities to collaborate with teachers who have not yet invited me in to their practice.
• I am going to persist with my writing. I am going to try to create and share something at least once a week.

Here's to a fantastic 2019 and a strong end to an interesting decade. 

Hope your year is wonderful!