I often work in a bit of a vacuum at my school. With the exception of the broadcast teacher in my building, I'm the cheese that stands alone. It is refreshing to be able to talk to other people who understand my situation, who can offer specific suggestions for my dilemmas and who don't need me to explain my journalism vocabulary. In short, this group gets me.
On a more personal level, I frequently feel inadequate when working with the other print journalism people in my school district. I sometimes feel left behind because my paper doesn't have a strong web presence, I don't frequently text my students. This opportunity has been wonderful for me to realize that I do have something worthwhile to offer. Watch out Blue Valley, here I come!
Mindy Gilman
Blue Valley North High School
Overland Park, Kan.
When you return Mindy I hope you will keep in tough with your friends from the Institute. We can keep the sense of community even if we are only linked electronically
ReplyDeleteI agree, and the out-of-the-classroom/lab time we have spent has certainly made the bond stronger.
ReplyDeleteThere truly is strength in numbers. I know that I sound pitiful, but I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. I needed it.
ReplyDeleteMy fear is that once we get back to school and our own lives, we will get busy and lose some of these ties we're making these two weeks. I have met and become friends with journalism teachers in my surrounding communities and this has been the case. My hope is that we will stay connected with the listserv and Facebook. I know for myself, by being Facebook friends, I will be more likely to keep up and/or ask questions to the group page. Technology is amazing and I hope we all continue to use it to stay connected!
ReplyDeleteAngela Carter
Winfield High School
Winfield, Kan.