I've started using Cruise Control on long driving trips. I set the speed I want to travel and then sit back and.....relax? Well, not exactly. I'm still at the wheel, paying attention to the road, other drivers and the time. Sometimes I have to adjust the speed up or down (using the cruise control hand lever, not my foot), in order to pass someone going under the speed limit. Sometimes I have to switch lanes to avoid an obstacle in the road. So I am driving. But I do not get road rage. I do not get pulled over for speeding when I thought I was going 65. The drive is less stressful. I'm mindful of what I am doing and I save energy for other things. All the while I am getting there.
This reminded me of the importance of working smarter, not harder. I strive to do this in life. And in teaching and learning.
I pledge to myself, and you dear readers -- are you out there? -- that I will use cruise control whenever possible in the next six months as I student teach and get ready to be a master teacher in my own classroom (or a co-taught classroom). To me, this doesn't mean to avoid the difficult, merely to save energy and creativity for the unexpected obstacles in the road, the slow drivers, weather etc. by making the day to day, expected and routine activities flow as easily and effortlessly as possible.
How does this work in the classroom? Cruise Control in the classroom means creating systems for all the busywork, logistics and management work of teaching. Once all of this is on cruise control, creative space is left open for the unexpected, hands-on gifts and opportunities that abound on a daily basis.
I can't wait to begin the student teaching journey in less than three weeks!
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