When it comes to education, there is no lack of public opinion. Since virtually everyone has had some significant experience in the classroom, we have also formed our own opinions on education. These opinions are built from our own unique vantage point and often vary widely. However, agreement can be found on one front; there is no lack of jargon in education.

This is the time of year where it seems as if we have a vacation every time we turn around. It’s a time for teachers and students alike to rejuvenate. Teachers often take stock of the progress being made and adjust the course of instruction to address the varied needs of their students…and take some time to relax. Students get a chance to rest from the rigor and structure of the school day.

Have you ever carefully observed a three, four, or five year old in a garden? On a nature trail? In a mud puddle? The splashing is purposeful. The shouting is expressive. The climbing is rewarding. The touching is...slimy! This excitement exists in place-based learning and active teaching.

I have noticed throughout my years of teaching, that I have not had a huge focus on creative writing. Often my lessons have revolved around the informational text: how to answer questions, how to reflect, and how to respond, and the always enjoyable grammar rules. Last year, my schedule changed to add another class that was based on Language Arts.

At Union Elementary School, in Union, we work collaboratively to create nurturing classroom climates and a positive school environment. We work together towards building positive relationships and communicating clear expectations for behavior to students, parents, staff, and our community. At our school, we believe in building a culture of "our kids" where teachers believe that every student is their responsibility - not just the ones in their classroom.

November is a good time to reflect on the school year so far. A few months are in and I have a decent handle on my classes and students. As with any reflection, my mind casts a wide net on topics – especially when I consider those areas where I can improve my practice. For instance, at our recent visit with members of Senator King's staff, we often brought up the employability of our students.

As a novice gardener, I felt a surge of disappointment one evening after scurrying out to my raised beds only to discover the foliage on my tomato plants nearly destroyed. After further investigation, I jumped back in horror when I saw some enormous, green, worm-like creatures all over my plants. I couldn't even bear the thought of touching one, and I even found a few covered in eggs. That was all I needed--a reproducing garden-eating monster!

Parent teacher conferences are right around the corner. As I prepare my classroom to welcome these families back (some for the first time this school year), I can't help but reflect on my efforts to open up the lines of communication between school and home. I have always prided myself on building relationships with my families and I make it a priority to get to know the families of my students as well as the students themselves.

I also am wondering where reading is going in this technological age. The circus is not a big hit anymore with the masses, as there are no special effects or major animation techniques as seen on T.V. or web. Remember in history when reading was the only activity one had to entertain themselves, and families would sit around a fire for hours engaged with reading. Now, my students continually tell me how much they dislike reading (not all, but many). How can we nudge our students into the movie of their mind, instead of the circus on the web? 

In July 2014, most of the sixteen 2014 County Teachers of the Year met to develop a common platform; a message deemed of utmost importance. At the end of the day we decided that since "nothing impacts a child's academic and social success in school more than a healthy relationship between schools, families and communities," we should make that relationship the center of our platform.