Change is inevitable. We experience change every day of our lives whether it’s something as small as having a tea in the morning instead of our usual coffee, or something bigger, like a new hair colour, moving house, a change in relationships or a change in career paths. At the beginning of 2017, I experienced the latter.
Although we are expected to adjust, and more often than not we do this without even realising, the conversion from something old to something new is one that can be quite daunting. There is a comfort that comes with a well designed and predictable life. We become afraid of and procrastinate over change, the movement from one place to another – an act or process in which something becomes different. Our minds and bodies become accustomed to certain things, and we as humans are comfortable with this, because it’s easy and it’s what we know.
This is my first year at CCSC after a seven year stretch at my former college. The place I called home, made lifelong friends, faced challenges and acquired knowledge. I was comfortable in this place and it taught me many life lessons. I learned everything I know today through the challenges I faced, through the sharing of knowledge from my former colleagues and of course the interactions and everyday experiences with the students. But teachers must embrace the same message we give to students: Learning is about taking risks, trying, failing, and improving. Every time we find a gap between our values and our practice we have an opportunity to reflect and ask, ‘Why?’ What is really getting in the way?As leaders, are we creating environments that make others feel safe to take responsible risks? As teachers, how ready are we to feel incompetent in service of our own learning and growth?
So here I am.
My name is Miranda Smith and I have joined the team here at CCSC as an English/ History teacher for Stage 5. I have left the public system after many years and I can’t be more excited about my first year here. We are halfway through the first term already and I haven’t looked back. Every day is different, new, interesting and challenging. I have become a part of an entire new community and am feeling more and more inspired by everyone around me every day.
So at the conclusion of my very first blog post I will leave you with the thought that although change can be challenging and messy, it is rewarding – jump in and join the dance.
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