A change of Direction

 

Who Could Have Seen This Coming?

I certainly didn't!

At the beginning of the year, I was blithely doing what I normally do, prepping for classes, exploring ways I might use assistive technologies for my students with differing learning needs, working with Dr Tim Kitchen on the Adobe Inject Creativity broadcast while his faithful co-presenter gave birth to her beautiful daughter with partner Max, playing, teaching, cooking, recovering from damage caused by an awful destructive deluge and planning the MSM Writer's camp for 2022. 

I have always loved my vocation, the incredible young people whose lives I touched and occasionally changed; the relationships that stood the test of time and which remain precious to me, both with students and dedicated colleagues who shared the trials and tribulations of working under increasing work intensification. I had no idea that I'd ever leave the classroom. I honestly believed that I'd be taken out of MSM in a wooden box but that was not to be!

Last Days at MSM

In June I was asked if I'd be interested in a role as a national Education Innovation Specialist at Datacom. I am really happy and excited to have accepted this position and it truly is an incredibly enriching role, this blog really will be more of an exploration of how transitioning from the classroom into a totally different context is. I know so many teachers toy with the idea of leaving the classroom, but when you are conditioned to be everything you can, to give everything you can, and to feel responsible for absolutely everything, there doesn't feel like there is enough space to look at, let alone act on other opportunities. I'm here to tell you that there are so many life lessons in embracing change. I don't want to see teachers leave the classroom, hence being excited by this role which aims to help teachers remain in the classroom, confident and with technology skills that they can enjoy using, knowing that they are research, and pedagogically grounded, but for those serious about moving outside the classroom, I want you to know some of the transitional changes you might find unusual.