For most, if not all, of my years in public education, I loved my students and I loved teaching, but I was considered a bit of a rebel, a renegade, because I taught from a philosophy and belief system that truly honored the individual child, situation, and circumstance unique to each learner. Yet, public education is all about conforming, and everyone receiving the same education experience. So for years I would teach, and think and believe, and hope that I could make a difference in the lives of individuals and I have no doubt that I did make a difference, but I grew tired- bone weary, really, and felt my life slipping away. Every day was an internal struggle, a fight, a battle against a seemingly insurmountable foe. Apparently I was getting pretty cranky.
And so now here I am, working for a company that truly values individuals, their health and well being; and, ironically, they value teachers and education by doing, not by saying. They live their mission. Don't get me wrong, there is still the battle of good vs evil, and I will take up my fight for the good, but I will be able to do it standing with my colleagues and my leaders, who are of the same vision and purpose. I used to say your job is what you do, not who you are. Today I can truly say, I am my job.
