Reflections

As I begin the New Year, I take time to reflect back on why I am a teacher and what I will do this year, to make myself a better one.  I am one of those lucky people who always knew what I wanted to be “when I grew up”.  There was no doubt that I would become a teacher.  I have always enjoyed the company of children of all ages.  From babysitter, to lifeguard/swim instructor, to camp counselor, I have always loved to watch children experience the joy of learning.  As most of you know, there is nothing that compares to seeing the “spark” of discovery in a student’s eye, no matter what their age.  That spark is what brought me to this profession and it is what keeps me here.  As we start the second half of the academic year, take time to reflect on what has brought you to education and what you to do to make yourself the best teacher that you can be.  Continue to ignite that “spark” of discovery in your students.

This past year, PACEC brought you their 47^th Annual Conference.  I hope that you had an opportunity to attend some or all of the conference.  It was a well organized and thoughtful presentation of information. Cheryl McCarthy and her committees did an excellent job.  I am sure that all attendees would agree that one of the highlights of the conference was our keynote speaker, Kim Peek.  I was both amazed by his abilities and touched by his message.  He reminded us all that diversity is a blessing not a curse.  He told us that every person has something unique to share with the world.  I think that these are important ideas that should influence all that we do in our classrooms.  It is our job, as teachers, to discover that “something unique” in each child and show them how to bring it to the world.

I would like to take a minute to acknowledge the following students who have been nominated for the 2008 Yes I Can Awards:

• Alex McKinstry, age 13, of Johnstown is nominated in the Arts category
• Kayla Bowers, age 9, of Philadelphia is nominated in the Athletics category
• Rebecca Suppo, age 5, of Donora is nominated in the Athletics category
• Amy Rothman, age 20, of Lafayette Hill is nominated in the Employment category
• Alivia Colecchia, age 5, of Erie is nominated in the Technology category
• Stephen Roselli, age 17, of Plymouth Meeting is nominated in the Technology category
• Matthew Serafin, age 6, of Erie is nominated in the Technology category
• Mark Stedidi, age 12, of Pittsburgh is nominated in the Technology category

These students are just some of the reasons that we all have chosen this profession.  They show a tremendous amount of courage and persistence every day and we can hold them up as examples of how to overcome obstacles to reach for success.  I hope that throughout 2008 you have few obstacles to overcome and that you are blessed with health and happiness. 

Laura Receveur,

PACEC President