This year has been a wild ride! I began the year completely overwhelmed by taking on two new AP Courses and high personal expectations of tech integration for the year. Instead of reflecting on what I would like to change (hey, we are teachers…we do this everyday, right?) I want to highlight that which has driven me this year.

It is funny how things pan out, through the blood, sweat, and tears of what some call ‘just teaching’ we often find another piece of what drives us. In the pursuit of trying to instill in students a passion for learning, we find a community of incredible colleagues that bring encouragement and affirmation. Top three reflections for the year:

Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2011: this experience taught me that we do not give ourselves as teachers enough credit. We work our tails off, on the front lines, and often we are more critical of ourselves than anyone else. The ADE institute in Ho Chi Min was a great time to connect with colleagues, learn, and be affirmed. Apple really understands tapping in to teachers to improve theis products and education as a whole.

COETaiL at EARCOS: In all honesty, ‘forcing’ me to begin building my PLN. In one year, this program has led to my starting this blog, use an RSS feed, twitter, and more!

Husband: My incredible husband supports me in so many ways. My often emotional instability due to overcommitment, he goes over and above encouragement. I am so thankful to him, he makes me a better person.

So this school year comes to an end. This summer will be a time to rest, reflect, and refine. I look forward to reading and hearing other’s reflections from the school year. You all are an awesome group of educators doing some incredible, innovative things in your classrooms. Do not let anyone make you feel otherwise!!