Change

     I will start start by stating that I hate change.  I hate it because just as soon as things seem like they are running smoothly...change.  Just as I approach what I believe to be something familiar...change.  When it is working, and I am getting positive results...change.
     Of course this feeling for change is totally selfish, and self imposed.  A hatred for something that takes from me the comfortableness of what feels good, or of what works. 
     Logically I know that change is inevitable.  Without change what would we be...where would we be?  I realize it is necessary in most everything, and that I am limited to what degree I can effect change, or to what degree I am willing to work to make a change, or allow a change to happen. 
     As a person I can change direction on my path towards fulfillment...or not.  As an educator I can use all of my power to guide young minds, and souls to some further destination on my students' path...or not.  These things are within the grasp of my control, if I am careful and diligent. 
     Usually when, or if a change is to happen there must be a catalyst...it is always us.  Choices, events, willingness, sacrifice, abilities...these are the things that are needed when change presents itself to us if it is to work.  Each one is dependant on the other, and in order for change to happen all must work in harmony.
      Some change we have no control over.  Nature...easy enough, right.  Can't stop the rain, or halt a snow storm.  Age...no matter how much you paint, build up, or knock down the outside...60 years old is still 60 years old.  Teenagers...once the hormones set in, forget it!  Death...somber, sad, but ever present and unstoppable.  I am sure you get the point.
     The reason for this post tonight comes as the result of our faculty meeting today regarding yet more changes to our classrooms, programs, and curriculum.  We still have the residue of No Child Left Behind on our shoes, and now Race to the Top looms heavy over us.  I feel that over the last 10 years the changes that have been made in our schools began with good intentions, but it seemed that as soon as we (The educators, and implementers) started getting used to a new way...another began.  Now the first change is left behind, and the new change initiated.  Then another change, and another abandonment. And...so on, and so on.  Teachers are still getting familiar, and used to the changes implemented last year, or the year before.  Now, there are more changes.  Not to mention the microscopes!  What microscopes you ask?  These tools are no longer used by scientists alone in their labs.  The biological organisms under the microscopes now are teachers.  I truly believe that we teachers are trying very hard to keep up with all of the changes, but it seems like a major flood...a force of nature that is uncontrollable.  We are all treading water, and trying hard not to drown.
     Don't get me wrong...I am willing to change anything when it comes to my students.  As educators we MUST BE adaptable, and willing to do whatever it takes.  Educators do this...WE are the ones who know what our students need to succeed.  WE are the ones in the classrooms making it happen.  These changes are internal...right at the front, right at ground zero where the magic takes place.  All of these external changes...new programs, new laws...it seems to me that these external factors have more concern for the business of school.  For allocating federal monies, and less about the kids and the teachers.  We are the guys and gals in the trenches...we are the ones right there in the thick of it, and it feels like we have generals blindly leading us in every direction available to them, with no clue or care on how ineffective their leadership is.  It reminds me of the story of a painter who had many bosses.  The painter was told to paint every room in a 100 room mansion.  The first boss told him to paint the first room, so the painter began.  Soon the second boss told the painter to paint the second room.  So the painter followed the direction of his boss and abandoned the first room thinking he will get back to it later, and began painting the second room.  Soon the third boss told the painter to paint the third room.  So the painter abandoned the second room thinking he would get back to it later.  Anyway...the story ends up where the painter never finished what he started, and the mansion looked like crap as a result.  Of course we know that if the bosses let the painter do what he did best, and finish one room at a time the mansion would be beautiful.
     I know that I am not the only one frustrated with all of this change.  I also know that, unless something new happens...a new kind of change where those who are actually in the trenches become the catalyst for this change...then I am afraid, when it is all said and done...my mansion is gonna look like crap!