NC Statewide TF Retreat

I was unable to attend the NC Statewide Teaching Fellows Retreat this Spring semester, but I watched the recording of the conversation with Senator Deanna Ballard and Representative Ashton Clemmons afterward. It is clear that both of these women enjoy their job and feel passionate about the work they are doing. It is inspiring how devoted they are to making an impact on the education system and the teachers and students involved. There were a couple of things that they said that particularly resonated with me during the talk. For example, Representative Ashton Clemmons said, “For our most vulnerable children, teachers are huge advocates.” She spoke of how students are required to attend school and how we as teachers (who see them consistently) have the opportunity to get to know them in ways others might not. Another thing that resonated with me was when Senator Deanna Ballard said that it is important for teachers to stay true to their calling and be intentional about the community they build around them. There can be so much negativity around teaching, but this profession is something we should stay positive about because of the lives we are impacting. Instead of letting the negativity get to us, we need to focus on the difference we are making and what more we would like to do.