Sometimes I just get overwhelmed. I have been feeling this way for a while.  Looming, serious budget cuts at schools and across the state, too many committees to belong to, too many teachers not willing to step out of their comfort zone, a very busy family. I just feel tired.

How to get out of the funk? Take stock of the good things going on.

I just began teaching a new grad class – seems like a great group a people, there are educators willing to try new things and step out of the box.  (There really are more teachers in this group then those that aren’t willing but some times it had for me to see this.)

I spent sometime in SL the other night talking to a few people new to teaching. They are enthusiastic, curious and scared to death.  I remembered my first years of teaching, they were hard but I grew so much.

I re-read some of my favorite posts from other blogs and even my own.  There are many people doing good work everyday to advocate for children, learning and high achievement for all.

And I sat back and reflected on my beliefs about education and realized they have not changed at all.  I still believe this is the best and most important place for me to be.

I took a walk in the marsh and down to the beach and reflected on all this. I realized in the classroom where the rubber meets the road good things are happening and will continue to happen.  Good teachers succeed in spite of everything and I am blessed to work with a dedicated group of good teachers.

We may be headed for some rough times but I think I have a much better attitude about it now to take it on.