I want to tell you all about Space Camp, and I will. July was a packed month, Huntsville aside. So before I go into my adventures from last week, let me recap on all the non-Space Camp related activities.
Technically, the ECS policy forum was in July as well. As soon as I got off the train coming home from that event, I went to a reception for the Eastern Panhandle Community Foundation, the organization that recently established a scholarship in my name for Shepherd University students. After a day of finishing with ECS sessions, sitting on the train tracks in a humid, noisy car due to a torrential storm, followed by a bus ride from the train station in Brunswick to Martinsburg, I was spent. It happens.
The next day I headed to Shepherdstown to be interviewed by Cecelia Mason for a story for West Virginia Public Broadcasting and an upcoming article for Shepherd Alumni magazine. Cecelia is fantastic at what she does, and Shepherd is fortunate to have her on their campus. The story on West Virginia Public Broadcasting recently aired, and the article in Alumni will be out the fall. I appreciate the media coverage of my activities, as it's one way I'll be able to remember this incredible year.
Berkeley stopped by the Little House in Shepherdstown
Bears play piano too, you know.
The following week I headed to Flatwoods for a conference on the portfolio changes for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This was an opportunity to not only learn about the revisions but to connect with teachers across the state that are candidate support providers. I also was able to meet with two other West Virginia Teachers of the Year, Eric Kincaid (2007) and MaryLu Hutchins (2008).
An amazing West Virginia cloud picture I took from my hotel room
This sign sums up how many directions I've been pulled in this year.
On Friday of that week, I was in my classroom to record segments for American Public University's teacher education program. A special thank you to Vice President Conrad Lotze and the media team of Lori Whitacre, David van der Goes, and Drew Broadbent for coming to Tomahawk and being fantastic to work with. Students at APU are all over the world, working on degrees through distance learning. I'm excited that my insights into education are going to be viewed and discussed by teacher education students from all corners of the earth. Technology allows us to have an unfathomable impact on others.
Ready, set, record!
Working in the media and in education are similar in that
you must have a passion for it.
Behind the scenes...
The following Monday I was in Charleston to speak to the Alpha Delta Kappa sisters at their biannual Southeast Regional Conference. I was recently inducted into ADK and am looking forward to opportunities forthcoming to serve the community through this organization. I also reached 10,000 miles on the odometer on my Prius on my way home from this event. Yes, I did.
Charleston Civic Center
SER Conference Choir
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito speaking to ADK
Welcoming ADK sisters to the conference
Quickly captured the milestone with my phone...then put it away.
With the exception of a meeting to prepare for next year's National Board cohort in Berkeley County, the rest of that week was spent preparing for International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. I will tell you ALL about that experience over several posts, but condensing that week into this one post won't do it justice. Until I get some time to write this weekend, here are some teaser pictures.
Yesterday I closed out the month speaking to the principals and administrators in Jefferson County at their leadership academy. What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was at Berkeley County's leadership academy as an attendee, sweating out the notion that in T minus three days I would be having my finalist interview. Many (as in a room full) stayed after the academy was over one day to let me practice my speech with an audience. Just one of the many times this year I have been supported and lifted up. And then, this year, I addressed a room full of school leaders about just that: lifting one another up to bring the joy and be the voice of this profession. I will post the video of my speech when YouTube decides to cooperate today...or tomorrow...
Speaking at the Leadership Academy
I also hit the "send" button on an incredible opportunity bestowed upon each class of state teachers of the year. Walden University gives each state teacher of the year a tuition free scholarship to pursue a doctoral degree through their institution if they so choose. That's an offer that I'm not able to pass up, so once I determined I wanted to pursue the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment track, I confirmed that I would like to begin course work at the end of October. I don't know what I will use it for or how it will impact my future endeavors, but it's important to me to have a personal goal to go after - even if it will take a long time to complete.
Last year feels like eons ago. I had no idea what I was getting into when I received a phone call last year that I was a state finalist - and I mean that in the best way humanly possible. It will take a separate blog post to delve into all that has changed within me over the last twelve months. My classroom is almost ready for a new school year, and I'm about to wind down this experience that has changed me and provided me with opportunities to impact others in ways I never could have imagined. A lot can happen in 365 days, and it happens faster than you can blink.
I can write about all of my June events tonight, because beside a possible day trip to Charleston next week (with a half day drive round trip not included), I am taking the rest of the month to be almost normal. Almost, because getting your classroom set up for the next school year isn't on many teachers' agendas as soon as school lets out, but that has to happen with the events coming up in July and early August. Almost, because as I sort through the hundreds of pictures and handouts and business cards, I have to start thinking about what happens next. I have acquired, through the course of this year, an entirely new skill set. I wasn't "coached" or trained on how to speak, write, or network, but those are skills that I have refined in ways I never could have anticipated this time last year. What do you do with that once this experience is over - or is it ever really over?
June as been a "Hello, Goodbye" month. I have four months left...I think. My last known event is in October, but as I said, I don't know what happens next, or if people will still want to hear from me after the fact. I'm meeting new groups and organizations, but I've also begun the "farewell" tour as new people are recognized - which makes me happy. It's meant to be "teacher of the year" for a reason. Number one, there are thousands of teachers that deserve to be honored for what they do in their classrooms, and number two...one person can only extend him/herself so much within a twelve month period, and then it's time to give him/her a break. Being teacher of the year doesn't give you superhero powers - or mean you already posses them. We get tired. And lonely. And sick. Which is why I know I need to lay low for the last full week of June, so I can power through the rest of a restless summer away from home.
Before I forget - all Berkeley County interviews for Be the DifferenceWV are uploaded on my YouTube channel. On my way to Beckley I remembered that I did not go to James Rumsey Technical Institute, a career and technical school for students in Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties to interview any teachers...and I drive by it every day on my way to Tomahawk! I am very thankful to their principal Donna VanMetre, who arranged for me to interview teachers Ron Odom and Andrew Albright on the last week of school. So glad I got to learn more about the CISCO networking academy and welding program from these two outstanding people. Career and technical education provides monumental opportunities for students to not only learn a trade but gain a foundation for the business world as well as college.
With CISCO technology teacher Ron Odom
With welding teacher Andrew Albright
I spoke the the Region VI members of the West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees (WVARSE) in Wardensville, located in Hardy County, on the last day of school for teachers. These were retired school employees from the Eastern Panhandle. They were very welcoming and interested to hear about my experiences this year. Many of them are extended family or know my husband's family from Pendelton County :-) It was also nice to meet the 1996 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, JoAnn Harman from Grant County. I'm looking forward to speaking to the state WVARSE members in Flatwoods in September.
With Pendelton County WVARSE members
With WVARSE Executive Director Bill Milam and 1996 WVTOY JoAnn Harman
Berkeley County WVARSE members
Next was speaking to "kick off" the Berkeley County Schools Summer Institute, Extreme Makeover: Classroom Edition. This was half speaking on behalf of the changes occurring in education, and half closing my year representing all the teachers in our county. I spoke on the need to raise expectations for students and the controversy surrounding the changes, as well as how much I have valued representing those in the audience.
Speaking at the Summer Institute
Later that evening was the ceremony and reception for the 2014-15 Berkeley County Teacher of the Year. Yes, two big speeches in one day. No, that's not unusual at this point. I've done three our four, although the pressure was high for both of these, because it was the "home crowd" and I wanted to really do a good job. I'm happy and excited for Holly Branch, a math teacher at Musselman High School, to take on this role, because I know she will have a special year. Thanks to Richard Belisle of The Herald Mail for the follow up story on my travels this year, which you can view at this link.
On stage with the 2014-15 finalists
Giving my reflection speech
With the 2014-15 Berkeley County
Teacher of the Year, Holly Branch
And today, I spoke at American Public University (APU) in Charles Town, located in Jefferson County. I was there as a guest speaker as part of The Education Alliance's EdTalk series, as well as a newly named member of the board of directors of The Education Alliance. I am the first teacher to be named to the board of directors, as this has been a new change to the bylaws of The Education Alliance, an organization that works to promote business and community involvement in schools, to have the current state teacher of the year be a part of their board.
As part of this event I took a tour of the APU campus. Although it is an online university (formerly known as American Military University, originally designed to allow those in the armed forces complete a degree from anywhere in the world), I was surprised at the size and design of the facilities. APU is the second largest online university system, with the first being the University of Phoenix. 70% of those employed with APU live in West Virginia. Students receive a book grant to cover the cost of their texts for their courses, and APU has not raised their tuition per credit hour in 12 years. I was very impressed by APU as an alternative to students who cannot afford a college education at a traditional institution or need to pursue online learning to meet their needs.
The building housing the library at APU
Above the parking area at APU is the largest solar array in West Virginia
The APU administration building in downtown Charles Town
was a hospital during the Civil War!
Where the large window is located was once the operating room
of the hospital. Now it is the president's office.
Back to that EdTalk :-) In the same vein as TED Talks, the EdTalk Series sponsored by The Education Alliance is designed to allow leaders in education to offer their perspectives and ideas for improving education. Senator Joe Manchin also spoke to the audience (via Skype) as well as the president of APU, Dr. Wallace Boston. I was excited to give this speech, because I have been eager to be offered the chance to speak on my views in education, not just my story for how I came to this place in my life. I received a lot of positive feedback about my speech afterwards, so that was encouraging. The Education Alliance recorded the EdTalk event and speeches to feature on their YouTube channel. I will post the link to it once it has been uploaded. I met a lot of other groups and organizations at this event, and I am looking forward to working with some new groups in the next few months.
Giving my EdTalk
Among the many things I discussed were
accountability and teacher retention.
Now what? I haven't had a single shred of free time since...this time last year? Last July I was out of the country, then I came home to find out I needed to prepare for my state finalist interview (more on that in another post), then the school year started...and then came October 9th. Nothing has been the same since. That makes both happy, excited, and a little sad. I would not trade in one moment this year, but it is still disheartening when people still think of this as "just" an award. It's changed my life, and right now as I say hello and goodbye, I don't know where it's headed.
My week that started in Parkersburg and stopped in Brooke County in the Northern Panhandle in the middle ended close to home for two Jefferson County events on Saturday. I did not realize I had the amount of stamina that I have until the last few months. When I'm home, I go into "power down" mode, but for the most part I've managed to be upbeat and articulate when I'm doing events, regardless of what I've had scheduled that week or how few hours I've had of sleep. I have never been a procrastinator, and that has been my saving grace this year. That last minute stuff doesn't fly when there are so many things on your schedule to present and speak at - and with a few exceptions, it's never the same speech or presentation twice. When you represent a lot of people, the expectations are that you will be ready to roll and exceptional when it's "showtime." Maybe that's just the expectation I have of myself, but all of those years of being overly detailed and prepared have made this year run a lot smoother.
I split last Saturday between the Jefferson County Reading Association's "Leaders of Literacy" Conference at Shepherd University and the Eastern Panhandle Alumni Chapter (EPAC) of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where I received the Educator Award at their annual Jazz Brunch. I thought after being named teacher of the year that would be the end of any more recognition ("maxed out," in other words), but between this and PBS Digital Innovators I guess not. I went down to Shepherd to speak at the opening of the literacy conference, then went to the Jazz Brunch to meet with the members of Delta Sigma Theta and accept my award, then back to Shepherd to do my presentation on integrating bridges and West Virginia history with "The Great Bridge Building Contest" at the end of the day.
Howard Burns' Band
With the other awardees
Accepting the Educator Award
After my presentation, I was in dire need of being recharged. It was a beautiful day in Shepherdstown, so I took a walk around Shepherd's campus to enjoy the warm Spring weather before heading home to recharge for Spring Break.
McMurran Hall (and Berkeley)
Some of the pedagogy projects at the literacy conference
My husband's a runner. They say that the last six miles of a marathon are the most demanding because your body and mind have reached their limits, regardless of how much you've trained. As you progress to the finish line, it gets harder to stay focused and hang on to what little energy you have reserved (now I'm just speaking about what I've heard, because I don't run and have no interest in being involved in it aside from cheering from the sidelines...and occasionally reprimanding Brad for overdoing it). April is my last six miles. Oh, this experience and my role are nowhere near over after this month (2014 is 2014, after all), but between now and May 1 when the state teachers of the year are recognized at the White House is when the travel and the expectations are the most intense. Every week this month I feel like I've sprinted up another staircase that the week before seemed impossible to climb. I plan, drive, appear, present, and repeat. It's a time consuming workout that has taught me more about myself and even more about my state. I'm proud, focused, and prepared, but I sure am glad the finish line is in sight.
Let me start this out by acknowledging that all teachers have weekend homework. Maybe it's grading papers, or surfing Pinterest, or just thinking about how you ended a week with a certain student, but when you are a teacher, your job always comes home with you.
This year, I've taken my job on the road. I have several weekends over the next two months where I will be out and about, in addition to my responsibilities during the week. It's a lot, and I'm feeling it. April is going to be a big month in regards to travel, events, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. That being said...I just got home from my "weekend homework assignment," and I'm beat. I haven't gotten up from the couch yet.
My weekend began at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg to address the West Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) conference. Much of the behind the scenes work as teacher of the year is logistics. I stayed for lunch and to speak to the WV DAR members, but had to time it so that I left in time to get across the state to Parkersburg by 6:30 (that's a four hour drive from Martinsburg, if you don't make any stops). It was tight, but I made it work! I was also honored to receive the Golden Apple Award from the WV DAR and state regent, Barby Frankenberry (also a Berkeley County Teacher of the Year).
WV DAR Annual Conference
With President General Lynne Young and State Regent Barby Frankenberry
Seeds of Learning Centerpieces :-)
Addressing the DAR members
Receiving the Golden Apple Award
I made it to Parkersburg with an hour to spare and spoke to the West Virginia Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that evening. It was great to have so many PTA members from Berkeley County there in attendance. I am very appreciative to Justin Raber, WV PTA president, for asking me to give the keynote at their awards ceremony. He was the first person to contact me about doing a speaking engagement back in October.
With a student member of the Musselman Middle PTSA
With National PTA Board Member Melissa Nehrbass and WV PTA president Justin Raber
On Sunday, I set out to do a little exploring. It was a gorgeous Sunday, but unfortunately Blennerhasset Island is not open until May 1. It's a beautiful state park in Parkersburg with a lot of history, and I was really hoping to see it while I was in town. No such luck - guess it means I need to come back! After taking a little walk, I prepared to speak to the education majors at Ohio Valley University that evening. They were a wonderful audience, and I'm glad I was able to coordinate my Parkersburg visit to include their school.
Stand-in picture until I visit Blennerhasset Island...someday...
Education majors at Ohio Valley University
This morning I headed home to take a breather before I visit the Northern Panhandle this week. I could have done without the dense fog (absolutely no visibility) between Finzel and Cumberland, but I made it home in one (frazzled) piece. The press release for this years PBS Digital Innovators was also released, so I'm excited to share that with you now as something that I will be doing during the 2014-15 school year. 100 educators were selected to work with and learn from PBS LearningMedia. You can read the bios of the selected educators at this link.
Heads up - there are going to be a lot of blog posts this month. Writing relaxes me, and right now I need that as I pick up and travel to several school systems and colleges over the next few weeks. I've got some reflection pieces I'm working on as well that I also want to share with you. Traveling by yourself is grueling, especially when you are lugging your own equipment and traveling long distances (and so far this year, through perilous weather). I wouldn't trade in any experience I've had, but I miss just being Mrs. Sponaugle. When you are away from home a lot, you miss the things often taken for granted - especially family members. I will never just be Mrs. Sponaugle again - and that's a good thing. I needed this year to grow and become what I was meant to be (more on that in another post). However, those moments when I am with students, as "just a teacher" will forever be greatly appreciated.
After returning from the State of the State, I presented to the Sunrise Rotary at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg. I shared my experiences in the classroom, fellowships and activities that have taken me to other parts of the country, and my current activities as the West Virginia Teacher of the Year. That evening, I was recognized by the Berkeley County Board of Education at their board meeting, where I gave a short speech, Teachers are our Water. I also attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Banquet that weekend, which awards college scholarships to high school students in our area. The keynote speaker, the Rev. Lewis M. Anthony, gave the benediction at Martin Luther King, Jr.'s funeral.
Presenting to the Rotary Club
Berkeley County Board of Education
Michael Wuest, head of community relations committee for YLA at Martinsburg High School
Vicky Bullett, Martinsburg native and Olympic gold medalist, at MLK Jr. Banquet
Rosabell Roman, Founder and President Emeritus of MLK Jr. Scholarship
After returning from Scottsdale this week, I presented to the Scholars Academy at North Middle School on my middle and high school initiative, Control Your S.E.L.F. (Social life and media, Education, Lifestyle, and Future). I'm looking forward to working with this group again this year for other presentations and workshops. They were very interested in my experience in Germany this past summer!
North Middle and South Middle students of the Scholars Academy (can you find the teacher in this picture? :-)
I was also recognized by the Berkeley County Council at one of their meetings at the end of January, and I presented to the Noon Rotary as well. In between I did an interview for The Picket, Shepherd University's newspaper.
Berkeley County Council
Presenting to the Noon Rotary Club
Berkeley needs to quit photo bombing my pictures and write his blog posts!
When I'm not out and about and you can't see me, I am working. Presenting takes time to do correctly. Coming up with programs and speeches can't be done on the way to an event (well I've written an outline for a few speeches in the car, but that's not the best way to go about it). It's a completely different world than I lived for the last ten years. I'm spending the majority of my 11th year of teaching being a teacher to the community, the state, and all its teachers and students. And...I'm writing all the time. I write speeches, blog posts, e-mails (all day long), programs, ideas, to-do lists, and next up is some op-eds for CCSSO on the Common Core and on anxiety disorders for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. My typing skills have become second to none.
February looks pretty busy at this point as well - of course, weather pending. If you pray - and not everyone prays, and I respect that, but if you do - please pray for my safety. I live four and-a-half hours from Charleston, and have to travel I-68 (goes through Cumberland and Finzel, Maryland, where the winter weather can get nasty fast). The interstate is loaded with tractor trailers. I have no idea where I'm going most of the time and am at the mercy of my car's GPS (and ability to read a map). Keeping it real, it's a little intimidating to be small, young (looking-ish), and traveling solo. I will do great things (I hope) for the extraordinary people of this state, but I've got to get there and stay in one piece.
This is not a year off - it's a year on, as in on all the time. It's the best job ever, and I hope I do it well.
.jpg)
.jpg)
