I’m paying more attention to what I like about my job. I saw an exercise in “O” magazine used by women looking to find joy at work. They used the sentence starter: I feel strong when…

I feel strong when I advocate for my colleagues as the union rep. I feel strong when I organize ideas from group collaboration and facilitate the process. I feel strong when I create useful documents and presentations. I feel strong when I am making a contribution to a goal. I feel strong when the lessons I create clearly link one skill to the next. I feel strong when I give useful advice to new teachers or other colleagues asking for help. I feel strong when I articulate my ideas and questions for the group.

I completed an application to be a mentor for our school district; I’m participating in a school visit as a representative for our staff this month, and I am looking into getting a student teacher. I think all of this will help me work toward the goal of changing up my job, but still work somewhere in education. I believe in education passionately. I think everyone needs to be literate, for themselves and for the future of our society. I have realized, though, that I have done all I can or want to do in the classroom. There are others who have more drive and passion to be there. They can take my place, and I’ll support them!