Today, I leapt. Those that know me are not surprised. Usually, I leap in and then panic. (or apologize or grovel or runimate...) But, I've heard interviews with elderly persons and generally they wish they'd taken more risks. Sure, risk often begets embarrassment, the chance of failure, shame, but it also opens up the opportunity to grow, spread one's wings and to receive grace from others if you fall.
A day ago, I was in the car with my husband, listening to the Bill Good radio show. Mr. Bill Good asked if a resource teacher could call in as he has a question about teacher assistants. Since I had nothing better to do, I dialed in. Bill's lovely assistant, Jennifer, answered," Hello. What would you like to talk to Bill about?" I answered," Nothing, really. You just asked if a resource teacher would call in. That's me." After some discussion, she asked if I would be Bill's guest the next day. This wasn't going the way I expected. I told her I was afraid I'd be put on the spot, drilled or generally embarassed. She assured me that this would not happen. The butterflies in my stomach said 'don't trust this woman', but my curiosity got the better of me and I agreed to answer her call at 9:30 the next morning. Jump in and then panic.
Is there a leap you should be taking? It may or may not be the right time for you. Only you know that, as you take an honest look at yourself. It takes a little bit of courage to step outside our comfort zones, but that's where we grow.
"Some teachers in this province are tasked with educating classes with 30 kids, many of whom have special needs and require specialized learning. Decades ago, parents fought hard for inclusion and while the model works for some students, others fall through the cracks thanks to limited resources. Janet knows about the challenges as she’s a resource teacher in Langley and says the inclusion model can certainly work but it requires resources and those resources currently aren’t in place in the public education system.
Guest: Janet Ydenberg, Resource Teacher" Bill Good Radio Show: CKWN 980
(https://soundcloud.com/cknwnewstalk980/bill-good-show-july-2-challenges-from-the-view-of-a-resource-teacher)
If you are intereted in listening to my 'leap', CLICK HERE.
I'd love to hear about your 'leap'.