"I want to share with you." One of the most stimulating phrases in our line of work, don't you think? It is for me.
I regret the many times I've had to say, "Sure. Maybe later. Maybe over lunch?" or "Gee I wish I had time, but. . . ." How many connections I may have missed because I did not think I had the time to listen!
On the other hand, I have also felt, as I'm sure you have, the need to share something new, something exciting with colleagues or students or administrators. To be tuned out, to be turned away from, or to be put on hold may be a fact of life, but I can't help wondering if we lose tremendous opportunities on either end of the spectrum, listening or receiving, when we fail to make time to listen and to share.
There are no easy solutions, but I do know that each of us can take more time to connect with each other. We can take advantage of the most obvious opportunities for collegial networking. We can take care of ourselves and our profession.
Which brings me to some of the most exciting news we've generated here at SDCTE: the upcoming statewide Conference for Teachers of English. You'll see information in this newsletter about sessions, presenters, times and registration.
This is an opportunity, fellow teacher. Please take advantage of it. We need you--we need your ideas and your support; we need your time and your energies. Please be with us on April 21-22.
Sue Morrell
President
SDCTE