Keep Doing

I seem to have a theme this year in my writing.  Perhaps it is my theme for the year; just keep going, just keep trying, just keep loving these kids and what you do.  So often we get caught up in all of the things we cannot do yet, in all of the things we have not figured out.  My own list is miles long it seems.  I still have so much to get better at.  I still have so many things to learn.

Yet, today, as I sat surrounded by all of our amazing seventh graders, and saw the seeds that we have planted as a team, I was reminded of one important thing.  One that is easy to forget when we are surrounded by the new, by the innovative, by the flash that comes with changing.  We must not forget to keep doing the good stuff.  Keep doing the things that work.  Keep doing the little things that make others’ days better.  Keep doing the tried and true.  Keep being you, or at least the version of you that works, for we all have parts of us that need to improve.

Keep an eye on the horizon as to not stand still, but don’t forget to celebrate what you already are and what you already can do.  I may not be the best English teacher out there, in fact I know I am not, but there are things that I am proud of.  There are things that work for us.  That I will keep doing even as I change other things.

So keep doing those things that work, those things that make a difference.  Even as the world spins and rally cries go out for change, don’t lose yourself in the shuffle.

I am currently working on a new literacy book.  The book, which I am still writing, is tentatively Passionate Readers and will be published in the summer of 2017 by Routledge.  I also have a new book coming out January, 2017 called Reimagining Literacy Through Global Collaboration, a how-to guide for those who would like infuse global collaboration into their curriculum.    So until then if you like what you read here, consider reading my book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students.  Also, if you are wondering where I will be in the coming year or would like to have me speak, please see this page.