"Good morning, Ms. Brennan," is what you're supposed to say. Instead you have a confused look and a twinge of worry in your stomach. "A substitute?! What does this mean for my day?" Worry not dear friends, I am a dear friend of your trusty endless learners blogger, Patricia Murphy. Apologies, my name is Erin Brennan and I teach first grade in San Francisco, California. I absolutely love my job despite the blood, sweat and (many) tears that I've offered up in the name of Education. I was quite honored when Trish (that's what we in the biz call her) asked me if I'd be interested in being a guest author on her blog. While I've wanted to create my own blog for sometime, I clearly lacked the dedication to follow through with it. Here's the next best thing; Trish does all the work and I'll add my 2 cents as needed. Perfect!
So the thing is, I've known Trish nearly my whole life. We are both spawned from teachers. Education and social justice are coursing through our veins. Trish and my collective knowledge about children, pedagogy, textbooks and timeouts really places us at the top of our field (I kid, I kid). In actuality, the theme of this blog encompasses what I believe to be one of the most important characteristics of a quality teacher, the desire to continue learning. It is with this in mind that I've already begun to consider the immense amount of topics that we can address in this venue. So come on in and enjoy the show.
I will leave you with a link to a powerful powerpoint that I was once shown called "If She Only Knew Me." As a teacher, we have a lot of power and influence in a child's life. It is a great responsibility that can't be taken lightly. It's not just about the desire to be a great teacher, it's about the repercussions if we are not.
Thank you, Erin!
ReplyDeleteI love Dr. Haim Ginott's quote in the powerpoint--"It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather."