Comments on: A Fresh Challenge?

By: tbarrett

tbarrett — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:45:49 +0000

Thanks Kevin for such supportive feedback. I really appreciate it.

By: Kevin Mc Laughlin

Kevin Mc Laughlin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:27:28 +0000

Hi Tom,

I’ve just picked this up from the link you recently posted with the ‘feeling frustrated’ Twitter comment. After reading this post from January I can empathise with your situation. If your urge to turn the corner is that strong then go for it.
You and others like you have inspired me to try out using new tech in my classroom and to great success. Whatever road you decide to follow next I’m certain of one thing, you will be as successful at that as you are as a teacher. You have that quality that makes teachers great – inspiring.
All the best in your decision.

By: tbarrett

tbarrett — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:10:59 +0000

Thanks Iain – I appreciate your support it has been on my mind since I posted this back in January. It will be great to catch up and chat on Wed night – who knows what is around the corner, but I do know it is a corner I want to turn.

By: Iain Hallahan

Iain Hallahan — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:51:11 +0000

Serious news Tom. If it’s time to move on though, then it’s time to move on. You’re the one who knows what’s best for you, and I’m sure you are doing what’s right, and with your usual panache for ‘the right time’ as well!!! I wish you all the best, and hope you find a job that gives you what you are looking for.

One thing I do know – you have inspired countless teachers (I include myself among them) and I’m sure you will continue to do so in whatever new niche you carve for yourself. Someone mentioned you coming North of the Border, and whilst I realise that is unlikely, you know you would be most welcome.

All the best for the future, and I’ll see you on Wednesday for a pint!

By: tbarrett

tbarrett — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:21:12 +0000

Hey Steve thanks for the comment – I share that quest for the perfect job, we are pretty similar in our approach – so maybe you have got that perfect position! I know there isn’t much around. Please put a word in wherever you can – always appreciate a little help.

By: tbarrett

tbarrett — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:19:13 +0000

Thanks Mark – I know that I am most passionate about those moments with the kids. I will miss it for certain. But I am equally certain a change of direction is needed.

By: Mark Cunningham

Mark Cunningham — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:02:21 +0000

I was in almost exactly the same position 8 yrs ago when I left teaching to set up Learning Curve Education. One thing to bear in mind – if you move to a role with little or no contact time, you may miss the best part of the job – teaching. I know I do. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next

By: mrkp

mrkp — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:55:14 +0000

When you get the itch you’ve got to scratch it!

Just to say when I moved from my last job I promised myself that I would only move if the perfect job came up. I ment that it took a little longer – but I’m totally glad that I waited.

That would be my advice don’t just move because you want a change – move because it’s the right move for you and your personal development.

If needs be I’ll put a word i for you at a small inner city school in Salford that’s very forward thinking :0)

By: José Picardo

José Picardo — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:06:11 +0000

Was catching up with my feed reader and found this. Oh dear Tom, decision time, it would appear.

I am absolutely sure whatever to put your hand to, it’ll be a resounding success. Good luck and don’t be afraid to take that first tentative step.

All the best. José.

By: Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:37:44 +0000

When I read this yesterday I was really depressed. I think I was so sad for the students in the grade below that must have been waiting excitedly for the news that you might be their teacher next year. Your classroom is an exciting place and I only get to read about it.

I am excited for you though. I understand the desire to try new things. The idea of retiring from our first job is old. Adults now switch so many times. I actually have had 6 different titles and have only been working for the past 12 years!

But I do want to say one thing that I can personally reflect on…Getting out of the classroom to try a hand at technology support or whatever is great, but you’ll miss having your own set of kids to try out these new gadgets and learning activities. You will have to convince a teacher to trust you, to let you in his/her room, to manipulate their lesson plans. Just this morning a Twitter came across my screen stating that someone was broadcasting from the pyramids but she can’t get any of her Ancient History teachers to participate. I hope that if you end up being a supporter for teachers using technology or a leader in technology education teachers will be wise enough to leave their doors wide open for you!

I wish you the best and pray that you will stay in education somehow to continue to inspire and teach us.