I spent most of the day thinking of something inspirational to share today. I really love blogging and I look forward to thinking of ways to encourage and inspire. Unfortunately I’m out of ideas (but have several for my next Friday Favorites!). I’m not worried, though, because I know ideas will come. The worse thing I can do is get all bent out of shape about not having an idea. So here is a post from the past, written for my original blog. Even though we are at the end of the year, I still think it’s worth the read.
MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2007
On the last day of the Beginning Writing Workshop I led, we had the privilege of listening to Barb Bean share her journey of implementing reading and writing workshop. She was quite inspiring (and I wasn’t the only one to notice — almost 1/3 of the participants commented on the uplifting impact Barb had on them!).
Of all the uplifting tid-bits Barb shared, the one that impacted me the most was when she said, “Writing and reading workshop has helped me learn to be myself in the classroom.” She said she’s stopped trying to be like this teacher or talk like that teacher, but she has simply learned to be herself.
Her advice resonated inside of me. So often I observe teachers (and through my work, I get to work with the best of the best) and I wish I could be like them. I read professional books and I wish I could be Penny Kittle, Nancie Atwell, Georgia Heard, Lester Laminack (the list could continue for 50 names!).
But I’m not them. I am me. And this is good. I bring something unique to the classroom, that no one else could. I bring my experiences, my fears, my hopes, my gentle heart — things that no one else has.
And you do this too.
So, as we embark on the new school year, will you make this your mantra?
I be myself. And that’s okay.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
It’s funny to hear you write about the teachers you’d like to be like, because you’re a teacher I wish I could be like. Thanks for the reminder to value what I have to offer myself.
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Yes, writing workshop set me free to enjoy teaching students as it should be.
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“I be me.” Sometimes a hard thing to accept, but this week as I work with another teacher, I realize how each of us brings a unique voice and talents to the table and both are good.
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This is such smart advice, Ruth! It’s so important to observe, read, and learn from others, but ultimately, we do make that learning our own. Thank you for sharing this, and for being one of those people who I read and learn from.
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