It's been awhile!

 It's been a LONG while since I have taken the time to write, and in that time, so much has changed!  The photo above is the biggest marking of my recent decision to retire from classroom teaching, a decision that I even surprised myself with!  It's the right time in my life and I am now focused on creating a new path to continue to share my love of social studies with educators and students.  

Change over time is a history standard and I have felt that recently.  The job that I could always run circles around, began running circles around me.  TEACHING IS HARD WORK!  I have always held myself to a certain standard in my job, and over the last year or so, I began to realize that I could no longer keep up that standard.  For years, I can remember when people asked me when I was going to retire, my pat answer was that I had no idea.  It's funny how middle age and life can change that perspective. Students have been back in school for two weeks and I am not there to join them.
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​As my husband and I plan for the future, we have adopted a new motto of "We'll figure it out!" as we have a lot of moving pieces with our decision. They are all good, but can also be overwhelming. For two people who like control, we are letting a bit of that go for the time being and are trusting in the fact that we are two hard working individuals and create the next chapter.  

I have a definite "visiting historian" opportunity in Pennsylvania in October and am truly over the moon for this opportunity.  It's in honor of a dear friend and educator that we lost to cancer two years ago.  More updates on this down the road.

I have dreams to actually sit and write those children's books that have been floating in my head and am determined to bring quality professional development to elementary teachers in the area of social studies.

I have big dreams and feel like I am in the right spot in my life to take the knowledge and experiences that I have to build a new future to support others along the way.

To quote Dolly, "You will never do a lot unless you are brave enough to try!"  

​Stay tuned..