A summer opportunity

I don't know where you are, but I hope your day was just as b-e-a-utiful as the one we had today in South Bend. The skies were blue, the breeze was light, the sun was shining, and the temperature hit 80. It was almost hard to run a few miles today, considering the last time I ran, it was 30 degrees cooler. This is a problem I welcome. Hello, spring! So lovely to finally see you! 

Days like today make me long for summer. Just one short month from today will be my last day of work for the school year. And, since we started school early this year, we have 11 blissful weeks off! Whatever shall I do with all that time?

Well, I've found a great way to spend two weeks. :) In January, I applied for the ASNE Reynolds Journalism Institute. It's a 12 day course for educators to learn new techniques, discuss new media and technology, and work together to grow as teachers. There were almost 400 applicants last year, and they only chose 140 to attend. And this year, I'm privileged to say I'm one of them! From July 14-26, I'll be headed to the University of Missouri Columbia for an all expenses paid institute. To say that I'm tickled is an understatement! I'm thrilled! Plus, I get a free visit to the home of my master's degree! Double bonus!

I know a lot of people think teachers have it easy, but I will tell you that every teacher I know works his or her @$$ off during the school year. It's a lot of hard work, and it's easy to see why teachers feel burnt out at various points in their careers. It is things like this that encourage us to teach our students well and in new and exciting ways. And we all could use that. 

I am so anxious for all that the next four months hold... weddings, travel, learning, and more. Bring it on, summer!