I originally planned for this post to be a highlights of the year post but as I started thinking back over this year it was clear that I had many highlights but I also had a lot of times when I felt really inspired by other teachers and really in love with being a teacher. There really are so many people who have made this year magical so I don't mean to exclude anyone, apologies if I do. I also haven't mentioned any of the incredible moments I had with pupils this year, that's probably another post all of its own.
During the October holidays I was invited down to Hillhead by Chris McGrane as he had organised a visit from Bruno Reddy...I know right! The Bruno Reddy! I first heard the name Bruno Reddy from Mr Barton's Maths podcast and was so motivated by the interview, there was no way I was going to pass up that invitation. The visit did not disappoint. I went home from the trip so inspired to improve my teaching and to share with my department, not only by what Bruno shared but also by what Chris and the department at Hillhead have been doing (see previous posts for gushing on this). The department at Hillhead were so welcoming and friendly too, I felt like I just fit in.
In December, I found myself the sole member of my department standing for a HMIe inspection. Apparently, it was a stressful time...mostly I was just tired. The Saturday before the visit I attended the final day of the authority's leadership course for my cohort. After congratulating Mark Jones on the outcome of his inspection the previous week, I shared the predicament that I was in with him. Without hesitation, he talked about finding a way to lend me one of his maths teachers. In the end it wasn't feasible but the offer alone was enough. It reminded me exactly when I needed it that we are all a team. No matter what school we work in, what authority we work for, we all strive for the same thing - better outcomes for our young people. Just what I needed to get me through an incredibly challenging week.
In February, I took another trip down the A9 to visit Chris at Hillhead but this time Gary Lamb from St Andrew's let me stop in and check out what he was doing. There are so many things from both of these visits that we will be looking to use in the department but the best part was being in classes and watching excellent maths teaching sitting next to and talking to young people who enjoyed maths. In Gary's class, I was sat next to an absolute darling of a pupil who had obvious enthusiasm for the subject...unless you mentioned the black worksheet, then he got scared. Definitely one of my favourite conversations this year.
In March, I presented at the Stirling Maths Conference with Julie Morgan (again, see a previous post). What a time to be a maths teacher! If you listen to Chris Smith speak and don't feel inspired, there are no words for that. I also loved that I got to meet so many of the twitter tweeps who challenge me to be a better teacher.
There is no doubt about it, there are times when this job will kick you in the gut, but those times are bearable when they are outweighed by the times that teaching hits you in the major feels. I am so lucky to have had the experiences this year that I've had, to know the people that I now know and to still be unashamedly in love with teaching.
