Technology in the Classroom: A Professional Blogfolio

After a long day at school I pulled up to the house and put my car in park. I wandered into through the front door without knocking and greeted Jake (the family dog). I found my closest friend waiting for me at her kitchen table. I slumped into the chair breathing in the familiar scent of candles. Each week Claire and I make time to sit together, relax, and refocus. Being that we are both in our internship, this time allows us to stay positive, grounded, and it allows us to reflect on our days in the classroom. We offer suggestions, share successes (and failures) while laughing over a pot of tea.

Just as I was finishing my cup of tea, Claire’s father came home. She hollered, “Happy birthday Dad!” and I followed with a sqeaky singing of “Happy birthday.” Tim laughed and asked if I was staying for his birthday supper. I declined and explained that I should head home to see if my own family had plans for supper. I placed my cup on the counter, said good-bye, and drove home only to find an empty house. With no energy to make a supper for one, I went back to Claire’s to join in on Tim’s 54th birthday celebration.

Over a delicious taco dinner I shared with the family various lessons that I had planned for my advisor’s visit, which was the very next day. Tim carefully explained his reasoning for supporting my multiple intelligences lesson while enjoying his favourite dessert, raisin pie. I respected his opinion very much. He has been in the teaching profession for thirty years as a teacher, board member, trustee, superintendent, assistant director, and director of education. I think he might know what he’s talking about… We all cleaned up our plates and talked into the evening. For some reason I was in no hurry to return home.

We laugh and joked, but also had some “teacher talk” as we often did. Erin, Claire’s older sister, was proud to share that she had written the last five pages of her thesis. I entered the computer room with her and Tim and proceeded to read her brilliant words. “She is just like her dad,” I thought to myself. Tim took off his glasses and praised her for her work. He asked if she would present her thesis with him at another conference after her baby was born and Erin smiled knowing that he had already made the decision for her.

As the night and our conversation wore on I decided to say good-bye to my “other” family and turn in for the night. I wished Claire luck, as her advisor was coming the following day as well, and felt Erin’s belly before leaving. I thanked Claire’s mom, Linda, for supper and thanked Tim for sharing his beloved raisin pie. The door closed behind me and I looked up to the stars all the way to my car.

The next morning came earlier than I anticipated, my lesson went well, and my advisor seemed to be pleased. The kids enjoyed the lesson and were eager to continue on learning about the multiple intelligences. I went home for lunch and returned to the school in time to organize some of my lessons. The last half of the day began with our reading buddies. Our grade four students were working with their kindergarten partners in the library when I was told to answer a call. I thought it odd to be getting a call while at school and quickly walked to the phone. I don’t remember what exactly was said, but I knew that I needed to go to Claire as quickly as I could. Her dad had died at noon.

I approached my co-operating teacher, explained that I needed to leave immediately and dropped my books at my desk. Looking back now I was probably in no condition to be driving, but I drove to Claire’s. It was the longest 4 minutes of my life to date. I ran through the door, past the police, and hugged her hard as tears streamed down our faces. I cried harder as I saw her mother with her head in her hands and sister holding her belly sitting at the kitchen table in complete shock. I spent the next 6 days with my other family.

Tim was a brilliant man with infinite wisdom. He was an amazing husband, father, teacher, and friend. His beliefs about education will be carried on by those of us who had the opportunity to share a conversation with him. He was a very special man and an inspiration to me.

I have realized that writing and singing are a release for me. I sang at Tim’s memorial service, and now I’m sharing this story with those who choose to read it. Some advice Tim gave me that I will forever remember is: “Keep the positive people close to you.” and “He does too love raisin pie!”