My Dear Friends and Most Respected Colleagues,

It's no secret that I am a fan-girl of the cross-cutting concepts.  The cross-cutting concepts have always been my favorite because of the lens with which they allow us to make sense of complex problems in the natural world. They are able to provide access to students so that they can engage in critical sense-making, they help us make sense of the complexities we face... and as of late, I've been using a lot of the CCC of stability and change. 

I think about the stability of systems and how we impact change.

I think about the changes in our work and the stability of our ability to love and lead students.

I think about the stability of my young family and the changes I can make to better support them.

Stability and change. They are together for reason... even when it's hard.

This loose interpretation is likely not what our framework writers intended but... We "understand much of science deals with constructing explanations of how things change and how they remain stable" and one way we remain stable is through change so with this large build up, I would like to share that change is imminent and I have made the challenging decision to leave my role at KSDE effective July.

This change is a blessing to my family but was not one I was actively seeking. Yet if I've learned something in this field of education it that I've recognized it is often far better to leave a place when you are not ready... than when you are. In July I will be taking a position in my home district. I am excited. I am scared. I am relieved. I am shattered. Change in the short term... stability will come later.

My dear friends, being a part of this community and serving you has been one of  the greatest honors and privileges of my life and I leave with such exceptional gratitude. You have taught me so much and I never cease to be amazed by all you do for Kansas students. You have no idea what an impact you have made and I will forever be thankful to have been able to support you.

KSDE has been extremely proactive in their search for a successor for this position and I am excited to watch and support from the side.

There are truly no words to fully describe the depth of my gratitude for all you do. Thank you again with all sincerity,

Meg