Week 8 Term 4 - PAST PRESENT FUTURE

PAST

The past is used to describe things that have already happened.

Reflecting on 'what has been' and 'what was' can put everything into perspective - a perspective that is grounded in a spirit of gratitude. When I look back on the 2020 I feel this real sense of deep gratitude, thankful that I have made it through and thankful for all the experiences that I have had (good, bad, challenging and exciting). I cannot think a word that sums up this year but I can think of many words that represent the different experiences that I am grateful for. Experiences that have kept me grounded, given me a sense of belonging and experiences where I have learnt something. 

FAITH - My faith journey this year has been something that I have invested in, something that I have made a priority. The first lockdown was good in a sense that I was able to focus on reading my word, meditating on the word and reflecting on this is applicable in my life. Doing this whilst working from home gave me a sense of grounding and when I returned to work, I made it a priority to spend the first 10 minutes of every morning (before the students start knocking on my door) to read the word and pray. I am grateful to have had the time to refocus my priority with my faith journey. 

LEADERSHIP - 2019 was a good experience for me in terms of leadership. If anything, it highlighted what I needed to work on and what I need to do in becoming a better leader. Again the lockdown experience this year was beneficial for me in that I was able to eliminate the distractions and prioritize where my energy should be when it comes to my leadership roles. Working alongside my Co-HOD, Ms Amber George, we knew that the first lockdown was an opportunity for us to repurpose the vision for the English Department. The learning is the priority and how we deliver this (online) is crucial. Same with my role as Year 11 Dean, this year has taught me that you can apply your leadership even in situations where your physical presence and leadership is disabled. I have learnt that leadership is action, not just a title and how you act and where you act from will determine how you and others working with you, experience your leadership. I have learnt a lot about how and why I lead this year. I enjoy learning and understanding what my 'why' is as it keeps me grounded and hungry to learn and grow. 

RELATIONSHIPS - Working WITH has become a concept that I have integrated into my teaching pedagogy. Being an expert and driving the learning is equally important but working WITH the team encourages inclusivity and collaboration. When I think of the 'past' for 2020 I think of working WITH the English department and the time invested in making sure our team and our students were supported and given a great opportunity to succeed. Success is best when it is shared and grounded on the shoulders of you and your team. I thankful and humbled by the relationships and the dynamic in the English Department and how we work together. The chemistry is great! 

WRITING - Writing is an integral part of my subject area and it is an integral part of who I am. I have mentioned before in earlier posts that I write to learn. I have been able to get back into my writing, the process has been great and I have made this a priority every week to write at least one blog post. Doing this has given me the space to reflect, to learn and to understand. I have really enjoyed this process and I have fallen in love with crafting a written piece, taking a concept and fleshing it out in a way that I am comfortable with. It has helped me in the way I teach writing in my classes. For my Year 13 students in particular, the marking criteria requires the students to have a fluent and coherent crafted written text. Through my own writing journey I have been able to give the students the tools and prompts that they need to crafted a text that has fluency and that is of quality. It is a process and I have learnt a lot about my style of writing (especially on the parts that I need to improve on!) I hope to continue doing this more in the new year. 

PRESENT

The present tense is used to describe things that are happening right now, or things that are continuous.

Right now I am looking my present situation and I am grateful. As the year winds, I look back on the growth I have experienced and the experiences that have helped to shape me. Professionally the results of your student's work is the way we measure success. Behind the numbers and that data there is a story and I am grateful for the journey that has taken place. Looking at the academic state of my senior classes and my Year 11 cohort, I am pleased with the results. The data is a result of the work invested during the lockdown. The data is a result of being able to adapt to changes and to still find some rhythm when the changes (like a global pandemic) throw you off your routine was a huge key to maintaining progress. It is done and it is well with my soul (ha!) and I am super pleased with how my learning journey but especially the learning journey of my learners has transformed this year! 

FUTURE

The future tense describes things that have yet to happen.

I know what I want, I am understanding my worth as not just an educator but also as a person. Looking ahead, for now, that is enough for me. That is enough for me to continue to stay grounded and take on whatever is laid out before me. When I think of future I think of the two words 'hope' and 'promise'. We are living in a time where 'hope' and 'promise' is suffocated by doubt and fear. I am confident and content with what has happened, where I am at now and what is going to be in the future. I am grateful for this year! 

Isaiah 43: 18-19 
Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new that I am going to do. It is happening already - you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness + give you streams of water there. 

This verse is something I am going to share with my Year 11's. It is easy to focus on what did not go well or what we don't have. I have learnt to let things that I cannot control go and to enjoy the process. Thank you GOD for your provision, favor and blessings!