Megan A. Pastore

As a little girl, I loved school. From shopping for school supplies to learning something new and exciting each day, school was where it was at, baby! I always felt most like myself in an academic setting. As an adult, this still rings true! I thrive and flourish in academia and this is how I know--THIS is where I belong.

So, what the (bleep) do I really know? Well, I know that most of my self-worth as a child aligned with my academic ability, relying heavily on my grades. Unfortunately, this led to some significant self-doubt if things didn't pan out the way I planned. Because of this, I know that I can help my students understand that a grade doesn't define who you are or what you can accomplish in life. I want my students to feel worthy both in the classroom and outside of it. I want them to know that effort and character matter.

I want to encourage my students to participate in community service activities and organizations because I didn't have exposure to public service as a child. As an adult, I now know that serving in your community not only impacts the lives of others-- it also changes who you are as a person.

I know that relating to others can sometimes seem challenging as children and adolescents are developing their own identities, but I can show my students ways to find common ground, acceptance, and respect for everyone they meet. (This goes for adult learners, too!)

I know the power of literacy and the impact it's had on my entire life. That is my gift to share with my students. I know I can find a way to evoke joy from reading and writing through my own passion and energy for the craft.

Literacy is truly the academic foundation of all learning!

I believe Albert Einstein said it quite boldly, "Once you stop learning, you start dying". But, I truly believe that the moment we're no longer willing to learn or grow, is the precise moment we cease to exist. That being said, the list of what I have to learn would be infinite (since I plan to live forever in one form or another). So let's just start with a few:

• I have to learn to let go. To be so rigid in one's own beliefs or plans, leaves little room for growth and experience. We simply can't control every aspect of anything, especially in the classroom!

• I have to learn to be present. This is a work in progress and takes constant effort, but the joy it brings in those moments is worth it. My students will notice my active presence!

• I have to learn to effectively manage stress. If I can turn stress management into a constructive process, rather than a destructive one-- well, that would be life changing for everyone.

• I have to learn that the weight of the world is not on my shoulders. It's okay to delegate responsibility!

• I have to learn to be more gentle, compassionate, and forgiving toward myself. This attitude will translate well to my students and reflect in how well they should treat themselves and approach inevitable mistakes.

• I have to learn that it is safe to just be myself, and that I judge myself more harshly than others do. They have a life and I'm not the center of their universe (arrogant much?).

• Classroom management and lesson planning are intimidating! I need to learn how to effectively manage a classroom, and I want to learn how to create lessons that support a multicultural curriculum in an equity based learning environment.