Spring Break brings two things to my mind: a break from the constant bickering between students, teachers, administrators, and the Jewish holiday of Passover. As a fairly conscientious Jew I take my major holidays fairly seriously and am now at home where I grew up preparing for our massive 5-hour long seder this evening. It's this time of year that makes me most glad I live near my family - that way I don't have to clean up my OWN house for Passover!
But this is also a time of reflection. In the traditional book read on Passover, the Haggadah, we are asked to "Remember the day you, yourself, came out of Egypt." Most commentators focus on the fact that this line is focused on the individual as opposed to the collective - a feat much harder to achieve, but much more fulfilling when completed.
I take this Spring Break to think about my practice and talk to others about it. I will think about myself as coming out of Egypt and relate that "Egypt" concept to where my students are coming from every day they come to school. How can I make my classroom feel less oppressive and fascist and more involved and engaging? How can I satiate people who make unruly demands of me without burning bridges and going crazy? How can I learn to not let the things that seem like personal attacks (and could be) not affect my emotions?
I wish all of you teachers out there a rejuvenating Spring Break (if you are having it this week, that is) and hope that you take some time to reflect on yourself and what you do, and realize it's seriously amazing!
But this is also a time of reflection. In the traditional book read on Passover, the Haggadah, we are asked to "Remember the day you, yourself, came out of Egypt." Most commentators focus on the fact that this line is focused on the individual as opposed to the collective - a feat much harder to achieve, but much more fulfilling when completed.
I take this Spring Break to think about my practice and talk to others about it. I will think about myself as coming out of Egypt and relate that "Egypt" concept to where my students are coming from every day they come to school. How can I make my classroom feel less oppressive and fascist and more involved and engaging? How can I satiate people who make unruly demands of me without burning bridges and going crazy? How can I learn to not let the things that seem like personal attacks (and could be) not affect my emotions?
I wish all of you teachers out there a rejuvenating Spring Break (if you are having it this week, that is) and hope that you take some time to reflect on yourself and what you do, and realize it's seriously amazing!
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