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November 20

 At 7:15 a.m. I am at the York County Chamber Education Awards Breakfast.  It is great to see some familiar faces.  I was scheduled originally to give a brief welcome to those attending but I now find out that the program was printed with me speaking at the end.  So I have to change from “I would like to welcome you here…” to “I would like to see you leave…”  Well, maybe a little more tweaking is in order.
 
It is a great chance to talk with a room full of Teachers of the Year from public and private schools, technical colleges, and universities.  It is a time for hugs and for connecting with old friends.  It is great to see the Chamber of Commerce and the County Council supporting education from Pre-K – 20.  The lines between the K-12 and college have become blurred to the point we need to stop thinking about this artificial divide.  As I am leaving I meet a colleague and we talk about working together on Thanksgiving at a food shelter.  It sounds like such a great opportunity to give back and be with friends.
 
Since I am near my school I stop by and check my box for mail.  It is great!  I am greeted by warm hugs, smiles, and good old ribbing by friends.  Carol tells me the place is not the same without me here and how much they miss me.  It is great to be missed.  I miss them too!  As I try to make a quick exit, I see Pat who teaches across the hall from me.  She tells me how much they miss my ability to make them laugh when things are tough and to make a plan to re-focus on our most important role…  Teaching and loving our students no matter how hard they may fight it! J
 
I hustle back to grade more Teaching Fellows applications. Many of the applications are outstanding and you can tell those who put their best effort into the application.  Their accomplishments in and out of the classroom are remarkable.  Some of the stories they tell are incredible.  They are the bright lights shining on our next generation of students; it is a warm feeling thinking of them as our future teachers.
 
 Two days of grading even the most enjoyable prospects does make one’s mind turn to mush and your back to ache.  None of which endears one to staying late and grading until the sun sets.  So the remainder of the applications will be graded after a weekend break by remainder of the stalwarts on Monday.

 

E-mail Bryan!