Here we are at the start of another new school year. I haven’t always been excited to come back to work after summer, but working at Beaver Local has changed my perspective. I could have probably gone back to work after the Fourth of July pretty happily. I missed my classroom. I missed my kids. I was going stir crazy at home. August 24 did seem to come quickly though, and before I knew it I was back at school and listening to our new superintendent address the staff. He’s top notch, and I’m excited to work for him. I know there is so much I can learn from him. Also, his relentless pursuit of optimism and positivity goes right along with the way I like to live my life. He had so many great points over the course of our inservice time, but the one that has really stuck with me and I’m hoping to focus on for the year is Be More Dog.
On day two of inservice, Mr. Lowe showed us the following video encouraging us to Be More Dog.
This just hit me. I can be whatever kind of teacher I want to be. If I want to be a technology using, costume wearing, super teacher, then that is what I will be. Go for it. Dive in head first. RUN. Be More Dog.
After we watched the commercial, we were sent out to the back parking lot and instructed to do a carpool karaoke video with our PLC groups we will be working in all year long. Most of us were out of our comfort zone, but the inspiration was written on our faces. Be More Dog. Go for it.
Here’s my group’s Buspool Karaoke. Please note how much of a star Mrs. Schreffler is! She was born for the stage.
The Be More Dog mentality starts at the top, and they practice what they preach. Here is the Beaver Local Administration showing that they can cut loose and have fun too. The guy with the Beaver mascot head is our superintendent. You can spot the school treasurer in the back left wearing pink. High school principal has the microphone first. High school assistant principal is on the right with the sunglasses holding a stuffed Beaver. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my beautiful momma in the very front right with the hat and sunglasses on. She inspires me every single day to be the best teacher I can be.
We control the type of teacher we are. We control our happiness. We control the environment we create for students. Being great is hard work, but it’s worth it when we connect and change the lives of our students. Make a choice, decide the type of teacher you want to be, and just do it. Be More Dog.
Join me (and many other Beaver Local Teachers) as we Be More Dog.
Personally, leaving the classroom this year and moving to the office is a leap of blind faith. I really have no idea what I’m doing, so I sit in administrative meetings writing notes and try to look like I have a clue. I don’t.
Learning is a process that starts with relationships. Achievement is an end result of work and habits. People push themselves and are willing to improve habits when they feel wanted, respected, relevant… As teachers it is important for us to remember this.
Treat people the way you would like to be treated– and be amazed at just how much growth they (and you) experience.
My first year as a principal will be crazy, but the term “dog days” now has a new meaning to me. I want a lot of those days.
#bemoredog
So glad you checked out this post. We are in for a great year of growing and being more dog. I love your “dog days” comment! Keep that in mind on the long days in the discipline role! You’re going to do great! Seems like you really have that mindset about what is best for kids. A VERY WISE administrator once told me that if I try to remember every single day that we are here for the kids, I will be doing just fine. Have a great day, week, and year!
Love this! I’m going to try blogging with my freshmen and sophomores this year as we jump into Genius Hour and your site is a fantastic model for me to use. I especially like your student blog guidelines. And the videos…they had me laughing out loud! What a great group of people and a fun way to start the year 🙂
Good Luck! Stop back soon and check out the student blogs. We will be up and running within the next few weeks. Right now last year’s blogs are gone to make way for this year’s students. You will be able to see the new blogs as soon as we get up and running.