I was with her when she first heard this philosophy of "say yes." We sat in on a panel discussion of children's books authors that included Kwame Alexander. Kwame shared his personal philosophy--say yes.
The sermon this past Sunday got me thinking about the opportunities that have come into my life because I was willing to say yes.
Let me preface this by saying, I am not a say yes type of person. I like to think through all decisions. I like to imagine what the end will look like. I like to try to predict all the pitfalls that might get in my way. I am very thorough and very pragmatic, but every once in a while, I find myself saying yes.
At the end of my fifth year in the classroom, my assistant superintendent called to request my resume for the literacy coach opening at my high school. I knew that the job had been posted, but I wasn't interested in leaving the classroom. However, when your assistant superintendent calls, you say yes. The job was mine and it led to 24 graduate hours in literacy and learning, some of the closest friendships in my adult life, and a new outlook on educational practices. Because I said yes, I was able to move into a higher pay bracket, present at NCTE in New York City, attend a literacy symposium in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and open the eyes of my colleagues to the importance of reading in all content areas.
A little over two years ago, a colleague sent me the nomination form for the CERRA Advisory Board. I said yes (on a whim) and was elected to a three year term on the board. Again, I have been able to build professional relationships that will continue to benefit me in my career.
And last summer was an even bigger yes. The literacy coach position once again came open at my high school. These grant funded positions come and go. I was prepared to say no. I had a great teaching schedule. I adored my classes. I knew that becoming a coach would change my teaching schedule drastically and I would lose two classes that I really enjoyed. I went to the interview with my principal with a no on my lips. However, a yes came out. I went through a lot of training in order to help teachers improve their practices. It would be wasteful to sit in a classroom and not share that knowledge. So I, once again, said yes.
I am moving into my second year as a part time teacher, part time literacy coach. I know that the grant that funds my job has two more years. I can't help but wonder where I'll end up next and what opportunity will be thrust at me. I can only hope that I will have the guts to say yes.
