I Became a Bulldog...But Only for a Day!

I am currently writing this post as I sit in the back of an English II Honors class at Georgetown High School watching one of the most phenomenal educators I know get her students to discuss their biases and the lens through which they view the world. And the conversation is so interesting. Somehow, she makes them think deeply, yet they appreciate the differences of their peers. I want to teach like Kristi Squires when I grow up! Today, I have been a Georgetown Bulldog, and it has been a great experience.

It took me a while to find Georgetown High School. I had the address and when I went to enter it in my GPS, the street on which the school is located did not exist according to my BMW GPS. However, I discovered that if you see WalMart, you're close, so I found my way and was only a few minutes behind schedule.

This might be an appropriate time to review that I teach at Johnsonville High School in Florence District 5, home of the Flashes and only three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. And I love it! There is something about a smalltown school like mine. Each year, approximately 425 students enroll in the high school, and by the end of the year, you are able to know all the faces and most of the names.

When I got to Georgetown High, I couldn't get in! I tried every single one of the locked six doors in the front before I realized there was a button I had to press to buzz the office so I could come in. They don't play in Georgetown. That is some high tech stuff! I think it's great that schools have moved to these more protective measures to protect students and staff, but I did feel kind of dumb for having tried every door when the buzzer was clearly marked.

During my day as a Bulldog, Mary Ann Owens let me spend some time talking to the GHS Teacher Cadets. I asked how many of them really planned to teach as a career. I was stunned when almost every single person in the class raised his or her hand. I'm sure this has a lot to do with the great instruction they receive courtesy of Mrs. Owens, but this simple fact put me on Cloud Nine. From there, we talked about the ways the media distorts the reality of South Carolina public education, read The Curious Garden, and talked about the various strengths we can bring to the table as leaders. And y'all know something? I have a good feeling about these Teacher Cadets. In my brief time with them today, I found that they get leadership. They know that it's important to listen and problem-solve and bring compassion to the table. They also recognize the need for dedication in good leaders. They will all impact the world somehow.

So far, I've had a lot of fun experiences as South Carolina's Teacher of the Year, but my favorites so far are the times I've spent at schools. I have a goal to visit every district in the state by May 1st! Invite me to yours!