For many of us, the school year has just ended, or it is near ending. Each year brings its own set of ups and downs, and as such I have found education to be a profession that brings us together, rather than keeps us apart...
What I mean by this, is that it's no surprise there are many families where both adults are involved in the field of education in some way or another. And for those families where only one adult is involved in education, there is a certain level of commitment by the other.
Additionally, those who are a part of our immediate family also end up playing a role in our lives as educators. Perhaps I am a little late to the party, but I am just now beginning to realize the role that our families play in helping us to do what we do as educators.
Some of you may know, others may not, but for the entirety of the last school year my wife and I have lived apart. I accepted a job that is about 2 hours South of where my wife and I both grew up. My wife continues to work at her current job as a school public relations specialist, and our 3 year old baby yellow lab splits time between the two of us. We have hopes of my wife moving to my location for next school year, but we have basically become masters of the weekend marriage...
Though we are not physically together most evenings, my wife has most definitely been crucial in helping to keep me grounded and focused. She has been completely supportive in my professional goals, as well as forthcoming in providing additional perspectives and insights that have undoubtedly helped me in my career.
I have had great days at work, and I have had not so great days at work, but regardless of my day my wife and family have always been available to listen and hear what I had to say. Their time and energy, whether they realize it or not, is worth its weight in gold. Sometimes we just need to talk things out... sometimes we just need someone to hear what's going through our mind... sometimes we just need your attention...
As you begin your summer or finish the end of the school year strong, please don't forget to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices and the overwhelming commitment of our loved ones. They may not be at school with us, but you know as well as I do that their contribution matters more than they might ever imagine...
What I mean by this, is that it's no surprise there are many families where both adults are involved in the field of education in some way or another. And for those families where only one adult is involved in education, there is a certain level of commitment by the other.
Additionally, those who are a part of our immediate family also end up playing a role in our lives as educators. Perhaps I am a little late to the party, but I am just now beginning to realize the role that our families play in helping us to do what we do as educators.
Some of you may know, others may not, but for the entirety of the last school year my wife and I have lived apart. I accepted a job that is about 2 hours South of where my wife and I both grew up. My wife continues to work at her current job as a school public relations specialist, and our 3 year old baby yellow lab splits time between the two of us. We have hopes of my wife moving to my location for next school year, but we have basically become masters of the weekend marriage...
Though we are not physically together most evenings, my wife has most definitely been crucial in helping to keep me grounded and focused. She has been completely supportive in my professional goals, as well as forthcoming in providing additional perspectives and insights that have undoubtedly helped me in my career.I have had great days at work, and I have had not so great days at work, but regardless of my day my wife and family have always been available to listen and hear what I had to say. Their time and energy, whether they realize it or not, is worth its weight in gold. Sometimes we just need to talk things out... sometimes we just need someone to hear what's going through our mind... sometimes we just need your attention...
As you begin your summer or finish the end of the school year strong, please don't forget to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices and the overwhelming commitment of our loved ones. They may not be at school with us, but you know as well as I do that their contribution matters more than they might ever imagine...