Reflecting on the Summer Blogs

Looking back over my blogs from the red-hot days of our Oxford summer, I am struck by how much faith I invested in the need for consistency. If there was a catch phrase from my summer blogs, it would be, “An ounce of consistency saves a pound of cure.” Several months later, I continue to believe that statement, and feel that I have tried to be true to it, with varied results.

Perhaps I need an addendum to my summer catchphrase: “Consistency is important, but sometimes change is necessary.” A teacher is a great improviser, and nowhere is this more true than the Mississippi Delta. At Simmons we have had countless surprise pep rallies, assemblies, and unannounced meetings. These have challenged my ability to remain consistent. Another challenge is the fact that I am a first year teacher, and I am often finding new ways to change and (hopefully) improve my class. At times, I have forsaken consistency and the status quo for the chance to reap greater benefits in a new consequence ladder or seating arrangement.

The other main thing I noticed about my summer blogs was how theoretical everything was. We spend so much time planning and looking at models for different things, such as classroom management plans, and while these DO help prepare us for teaching, as a teacher I am often in need of a Plan B.