Ever Wondered What's Next?

So many years ago, as I was educating kindergarten students, I often chuckled at my students when they saw me out in the community. Their behavior was one that I'll never forget. When sighted, they would yell out my name, run over to hug me, and ask numerous questions, " Mrs. Wiley, why are you here? Did you leave our classroom? How did you get here? Do you drive a car?" The questions varied on occasion, but they all assumed that I was a permanent fixture in the school. I would have to explain that I had a life outside of school as they had. Getting them to understand that I had to buy groceries and enjoyed frequenting certain eateries and other places of interest wasn't easy.

Many years later, after being in the profession for some time, I often thought of my kinder students, and I wondered if they were on to something. During my latter years teaching fifth grade, I spent more time at school-preparing special projects, ensuring everything was in place for each lesson. My class could run itself whenever I was out-subs always left notes stating how students kept them on track. You see, I had a routine. They knew what came next. It was a structured environment regarding what subjects or activities were typically scheduled at a particular time-it was our daily way of life. Of course, there was always room for some flexibility.

Being an educator for almost forty years is almost like being in a structured classroom. The daily routines of teaching and the business of schooling gives you a sense of security. Although I took on roles of a Response to Instruction/Intervention Facilitator, a Principal, and an Assistant Principal, each position had different responsibilities; however, there was still the familiarity with teaching, learning, and schooling in general. Feeling safe in my career within the school walls provided me with that security blanket. It was a place where I belonged, it was a place that always called my name, and it was a place that was always home.

So what do you do when the call, calls you to exit the building and reach further, outside to expand your classroom beyond the brick and mortar that is so familiar to you? Where do you go when approaching retirement, or the feeling of your home away from home seems to be evolving and creating a new space for your gifts and talents? I knew I wanted to keep teaching and learning because I am a lifelong learner. I knew I wanted to be a consultant, but I often wondered how? I didn't ponder on the how too much, though. As time progressed, my why informed my how and how notified my when and my when directed my where and my where explained my who! So if your transition to retirement is on the horizon, give it some thought, and go with your passion, gifts, and talents. They will make room for you-they will find you!

~ Consultant Barbara Wiley

Renewing and Transforming Minds Educational Consulting