A summer of writing

I have worked harder this summer than I ever had in years past.  I could even to so far to say that there were   some stretches this summer that were even more intense than teaching during the school  year.  

I'm sure that there are some teachers who would call me crazy.  Wondering why I would willingly put myself in a postion of having to always be "on" during the time that is so desperately needed to recover from burnout that we all face at the end of the school year. I see why someone, especially a teacher, would wonder about me. 

But the truth be told, I'm feeling pretty excited to be getting back to the classroom, thanks for the type of work that I have had the fortune to be engaged in.  I spent the entire summer working with the UNC Charlotte Writing Project, planning professional development, facilitating professional development, and participating in the learning all along the way.  I've filled up to daybooks, connected with all sorts of new teachers from across grades and contents, read about new ideas, and pondered (and wrote) about just how all of what I am learning will mean for my classroom this year. I've collected quite a few new ideas, and more importantly, I have discovered new questions, new paths of inquiry that I am starting into. 

My batteries have never felt so recharged.