For the past few years, there's been a tradition for Einstein Fellows. I have no idea when or how it started, but I got my piece of that tradition today.
I am sure you are wondering why this means so much- it looks like just a couple of leaves. This is a cutting that originally came from a begonia plant that was in Einstein's office while he was at Princeton University. Yes, Albert Einstein- that super smart guy with crazy hair!
While I admire this plant (and hope to keep it alive), I am thinking about what it has meant to me to be an Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow. I am almost to the half-way point of this once in a lifetime experience- which is so hard to believe, and I have learned so much about myself.
I have a voice that needs to be heard.
Just like students, teachers need time to think and process. I've never had that time before and it is amazing.
Teachers know what their students need and the great ones will find ways to reach every student. TRUST THE TEACHERS!!
School should be joyful for students and teachers. The US Department of Education, in it's You Belong to STEM Event, used the word joyful in describing what STEM education should be.
There are amazing people trying doing the right things.
I deserve to be here. I am an outstanding educator who has had an impact on teachers and students I have come in contact with. I am done with the voice in the back of my head that says I am an imposter. I am the real deal and I am not afraid to say it out loud.
Being an Einstein Fellow has allowed me to grow as an educator, but more importantly as a person. I am better because I opened myself up to a new experience and stepped WAY outside my comfort zone. I hope that I can be like the Einstein begonia and never stop growing!
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