For the first time in 12 years, I will not be going back to the classroom. (In the traditional sense anyway.)
This has taken some time for me to accept, as that is where my heart is and will always be.
But knowing that doing what’s best for kids will always be the driver, my motivation-it was a necessary choice at this time as Indi-ED happily grows.
There are a few things that make this easier.
1. I am NOT not going back because I had to quit. I did not give up on my original intention.
So many teachers have walked away because of the variety of hardships that the teaching profession creates; I am not one of them. I found a way (with the support of quite a few people) to make it work, for everyone. So knowing that I can continue working with and helping families, students, and teachers find the value and joy in education makes this transition a bit easier.
2. The people that I am handing this over to are BEYOND qualified!
What if you had to walk away from your job today, is there someone who could take over? As a mother, a boss, a professional of any kind who values his or her job, you know the amount of work that you put in and the idea of having someone else fill that role could be terrifying.
NOT so, if you have people around you who work just as hard and care just as much as you do! Like people who work on their days off-without being asked! Like people who take the initiative to help! Like people who have already, consistently gone the extra mile! Like people who have a similar vision, intellectual capacity, creative spirit, and drive! But most importantly, people who are genuinely good people and who care about the most important thing, which for us is the kids involved.
I’m not sure how I got so lucky but the amount of support that exists within our Indi-ED family is unmatched. From the families who immediately responded with words of encouragement, to the kids who talked me through my original struggles, to the teachers who have already agreed to let me teach as often as I need in order to make the transition easier. Our journeys have all brought us to this place together and I can honestly say that I am excited to begin this transition BECAUSE of this group of people.
I’ve been asked to go into “administration” before. However, I never even entertained the idea in a traditional school. The role requires a switch of priorities and focus. A distance from what matters most and that will never interest me.
The difference with this transition and Indi-ED is that I still get to be involved in every aspect, I will just be better able to support everyone involved.
This transition also allows us to focus on a better future. Seeking out inspired partners that will help us grow and offer our Indi-ED ways to more students and families. If you know of anyone who is interested in supporting Indi-ED, please send them our way-we have some time to talk now.