Seriously? Full-time?

There are 85 million teachers in the world. Many teach in wealthy communities with impressive resources, and many others in areas and countries of despair and poverty. They are men and women, and some are certainly nonbinary. All races, all ages, all political persuasions. Every one of them, I imagine, have shared the joyful experience of looking into a youngsters eyes and enriching that child with the gift of knowledge.

Tomorrow, at 7:45 AM, there will be 85 million PLUS ONE. My fifth grade students easily know this is expressed as 85,000,001. They also would know I don’t mean PRECISELY 85 million and one, but I’m getting away from my blog point. 

I am no longer a sub. I’ve been offered and accepted a full time staff position at a highly regarded private school in the Bay Area. What the heck? Just a month ago, Diane and I agreed substitute teaching for a couple of days a week would be interesting and rewarding for me. I’m passionate about education, we both love kids, and it’s something I knew I would be good at. The thought of what might come after, or full time status, never even occurred to us. 

But here we are. I’ve gotten to know this school – as well as one can in two weeks of subbing. It’s inspiring just being there. A dynamite curriculum, healthy and ambitious expectations, a talented and dedicated staff, and a teaching philosophy based on respect, openness, collaboration, and high achievement. How does one say no to that?

So let it begin. I start as a floater, helping where help is needed. I know I will learn much from this phenomenal staff as I begin this quest. They won’t learn much from me. That’s ok – I’m new. But I do know that I can teach. I can inspire. And I’m very confident I can add value to this school. 

The blog will continue. The title will change to something like “Getting started with teaching” or “What just happened?” or something like that. 

85 million. Coming and going. Statistically about 33,000 are starting tomorrow. Children waiting. And parents hopeful. Teachers everywhere tomorrow will look at a child and say “good morning”. And will begin to teach. And that is how to change the world.