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Another Great Evening in SD36 (or Why I Became a Teacher)

4/28/2013

8 Comments

 
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A few days ago I attended a district dinner for teacher-bloggers and those interested in blogging.  Let me start with a thank you to the school district for putting on events like this.  I feel so fortunate to work in SD36, a place where innovation and sharing is encouraged!

So, over the course of the evening we heard 2 speakers.  Jordan Tinney, deputy superintendent, and George Couros, a visiting administrator from Edmonton and dear friend of the SD36 community.  It was a pleasure listening to these 2 educators as they shared their stories of engaging in social media and blogging, mentioning both the dangers and benefits of both.  George ended the evening with 2 questions: Why did you become an educator?  And what legacy do you want to leave?

The first one seems pretty straight forward to me...I know why I went into teaching.  But the 2nd one was surprising to me...never before had I considered the notion of leaving a legacy.  And I still am not sure about this question.  So let me start with the first question:

I had an amazing Grade 2 teacher, Ms. Mary MacDonald.  Honestly, it was so long ago that I am not clear on all the ways in which she was inspiring, but I do know that throughout my elementary years, I always looked up to her.  I think she was one of the few teachers that made me feel special and made me feel like she truly cared for me.  We made a connection.  And so I always had this idea in my head that I wanted to be just like her.  

Later, in Grade 7, I had another amazing teacher, Ms. Colette Leisen.  I didn't get to spend that much time with her as she was our Art teacher (so we probably only had her 2 times each week, I am not exactly sure).  Anyway, she, too, made her students feel special.  And when I was devastated about my first term report card, it was her that comforted me while I cried.  Interestingly, my husband (who went to the same elementary school) also cites Leisen as his favourite teacher whom he remembers as the one who opened up his eyes to the world around him.  He didn't just learn about math and art from her, he also learned about life.

So, I knew I wanted to be like these 2 women in some capacity.  And I knew that I loved working with children (I was a camp counsellor, babysitter and birthday party planner in high school).

But I think the biggest motivator to become a teacher hit me when I was in Grade 12.  My classmates all started talking about future plans: college, travelling, work, etc.  And I had no idea what I was going to do!  And I don't think my family did either.  Being the child of immigrants, they weren't exactly sure how all that worked over here.  And so it was up to me to figure it out for myself.

I finished grade 12, got a job and started college shortly afterwards.  It was during that time I realized I wanted to be a teacher so that I could help kids like me.  I had good parents, but ones that didn't really know how to guide me because they didn't have the same experience here themselves.  So I realized that I wanted to become a teacher and help high school students find their passion and figure out what they wanted to do with their lives.  And then help guide them in the direction of their dreams.

Well, it turns out I ended up teaching elementary school and not secondary, but I think my why is still the same. I help children figure things out about themselves, I share my story and I encourage them to follow their passion.

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As for what legacy do I want to leave...I don't know if I have an answer to this question.  I hope my students remember their experience with me as a time that they felt loved and cared for (as I did with Mary McDonald) and also a time when they learned about themselves and about life (as my husband did with Colette Leisen). And I hope that they are less confused about their future options than when I was a kid.  I hope they learn that we are all learners and that it is just a matter of finding your passion.  I want Genius Hour to spread so that students have the opportunity to explore their passions at school.  And I want to leave them believing in themselves, their abilities, and their futures.  

What legacy do you want to leave?
8 Comments
colette
4/28/2013 12:06:35 pm

My darling Gallit.

It's a long term endeavour, this teaching business. You have to find something to connect to and love about it because, as you know, one certainly doesn't do it for the financial gain! After 25 (ack!) years in this business, of teaching, I would say this: hearing the ways, years later, of moments I impacted a student, wittingly or unwittingly, is what makes me keep in this profession. As teachers, we plant seeds and often don't know if they took root, or were noticed. But people like you, my sweet girl, show me that there is a forest of roses.

I've been following your career, and think to myself how incredibly lucky any students are to have the blessings of your devotion, your creativity and your strength. I am so happy that you are embarking on a journey to share your significant talents with those starting out in this career. It's so obvious that you love what you do, and I am so happy you never 'jumped ship' to become an administrator...you *get* kids.

I also hope that you are in this business long enough to be able to be friends with some students. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing these little people as adults; it's formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life!

You are a star, Gallit. Twinkle on. And give my love to Johnny.

XOX Colette

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Gallit Zvi
4/30/2013 12:48:52 pm

Am crying. You are too sweet.
<3 you.

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Beverley Bunker link
4/30/2013 06:16:02 am

Thanks for sharing, Gallit! You are amazing and no matter how you were inspired or whether you ended up following the exact path you set out to follow, I know you're reaching students every day :) I also thought I'd be teaching high school, but those sevens really snuck their way into my heart quickly!

As for being just like your inspiring teachers, I hope instead you're just Mrs. Zvi :) I think it's about being who our students need us to be... And you're doing a great job of that!

Keep sharing for those of us who look up to you...
Beverley

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Gallit Zvi
4/30/2013 12:58:29 pm

Thank you so much for you kind words! You are too sweet!

You say, "I hope instead you're just Mrs. Zvi ". What a great point! We have to be ourselves! Reminds me of Parker Palmer...we totally teach who we are! Thank you for that reminder. So wise!

I am so glad that we have met, Beverly. You are fantastic!

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Denise Krebs link
4/30/2013 12:38:48 pm

Gallit,
OK, now that I've watched your video and read this blog post and Colette's comment, the tears are flowing. What a legacy you have already left to your dear former teachers! You are leaving one for your students, as well.

I'm so happy to know you.
Thank you for this post,
Denise

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Gallit Zvi
4/30/2013 12:59:45 pm

Denise,

And I am so happy to know you! I can't wait to meet next month!

Thank you for being my #edusister :)

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Marilyn Carr link
5/5/2013 02:18:43 am

Gallit, you're making such a huge impact on the education world already. I am so inspired (I seem to be using that word alot lately) by your passion for your students and your learning. I have only known you for a short time, but you have impacted my life in a big way already. I am reminded to have a smile on my face because I first see it on yours. I am reminded to take the time to encourage others because I see you do it. I am reminded to share and show what I am passionate about because that's what I see you do all the time.

Gallit your legacy is now. What you do everyday makes a difference.

I look forward to learning more from you and with you. I am excited to hang out during ConnectED in Calgary. Most importantly, I am excited at the prospect of you guiding future educators over the next week.

You are so amazing!!

Big hugs

Marilyn

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Linda Wilson link
5/11/2013 07:13:02 am

Gallit,
You continue to inspire me...so young but so wise. Heartwarming to read these comments! As others have stated, you are already making a difference to students and adults alike. Through your modeling and sharing, you play an important part in my professional development and actions (after 25 yr. of teaching)...I'm beginning a personal blog and genius hour with my students. Who knows...maybe tweeting is on the horizon. Thank you - I always look forward to your next posts.
Linda

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    My name is Gallit Zvi and I am an Elementary School Teacher and Vice Principal in Surrey, BC. I am also a blogger and co-author of The Genius Hour Guidebook.
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