Shook's Musings

I'm not going to lie. Writing is not my favorite thing to do. I would much rather teach students about writing and read books that are already written--there are so many wonderful ones out there, after all, and so very little time. Blog writing is not something that I have spent any time entertaining the thought of. Frankly, it is difficult enough to get through my dissertation writing at this point. However, this project warrants it, so please bear with me. 

Since I'm being honest, teaching was NEVER even on the long list of possible future careers for me, and how I actually wound up here is a long story for another day. However, I will say that it is easily one of the best decisions I have made. I love my students. I love my classes. I love going to work every single day. Not everyone can say that, so I feel very fortunate. 

If you know me at all, you know I am passionate about any number of things, and sometimes that passion can be a bit overwhelming for others--just ask my husband and children. I really do try to reign it in. Supporting Kansas educators is just one of many things I feel very strongly about. I never set out to start a foundation. I set out to create a specialty license plate for Kansas educators specifically to provide grants to new teachers as they prepare their first classrooms for students. If you don't know anything about specialty plates, it is a process. A lengthy one. One that requires an immense amount of patience. Patience is my One Word for 2019 because it is definitely not one of my virtues...and I have needed it. That project is currently in legislative purgatory, but I am hoping to see it come to fruition with the new legislative session. More on that later. From that project, though, came the Kansas Educators Support Foundation. 

For now, we want to work to build this foundation for the benefit of all Kansas educators in every subject, at every level, at every point in their career. As I begin my 10th year of teaching, I know I am far from having all the answers, but I have met some awesome educators along the way and look forward to meeting many more. Every one of them has made me a better teacher. We want this to be a space that the collective whole can go to to hear from those many awesome educators. We would love to feature as many Kansas educator voices here as possible, so if you love blog writing, or just want to get your feet wet in a safe space like I just did, contact the foundation (link at the top).

While you are at it, purchase some t-shirts for yourself and your friends and family (or have them purchase them to support Kansas educators). All proceeds will go directly back into Kansas classrooms. And if you know education-friendly companies who like to make charitable, tax-deductible donations, send them our way as well!   

Enjoy your summer! 
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~ Erica