This past year has been an amazing year of professional growth for me! I had the honor to be the Literacy Specialist on the Turnaround Team in Minneapolis. The work I have been doing since last August has included everything from working with teachers in their classrooms to leading professional development with a K-5 staff on Guided Reading. All of the experiences in-between have been invaluable and taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined. Plus, I have made some amazing friends along the way that will not soon be forgotten.
A few months ago, the International Baccalaureate PYP Coordinator position became available at one of the schools that I had the pleasure to work at this past year. My own two children have attended an IB PYP school and it has been a wonderful experience for them. So, as a parent I am a strong supporter of IB PYP and all that it has to offer students. Because of my positive experiences as an IB PYP parent, I wondered if maybe I wanted to be on the other side of it as a teacher. So, I started my adventure by meeting with the administration at this school and it was decided that I should attend a training to get a small taste of what IB PYP was all about.
I spent two and a half days attending an IB training titled, "Making the PYP Happen." Not only did I meet amazing educators from around the country and have the opportunity to visit and ask endless questions of my expert IB presenters, but I fell in love with the PYP in so many ways. It offers more than I could have ever imagined and I strongly support all that IB stands for. After this training, I was certain that I had to apply for this position.
There were a few interviews that I needed to get through in order for me to get this job. But in the end, the job was offered to me and it was all I could do to not scream and shout about this opportunity. Not only am I entering into an amazing adventure, where I have so much to learn, but I am also joining a team of educators that are top notch. This next year will be one of extreme learning and much professional growth. I can only hope that I can be the PYP leader that this school needs and together we can build a strong and inquiry-based PYP program.
This blog will allow me to share all of the adventures along the way that I experience as I jump into the role of becoming a PYP Coordinator. It is sure to be full of ups and downs, many curves, lots of sweat, maybe some tears, but mostly joy, many successes, and students who benefit and grow from all the PYP will offer them through all of our hard work. I can't wait to share this with all of you...so get ready for an amazing ride!
