If you're reading this, you might be curious why I started blogging in the first place. The truth is, I never considered myself much of a blogger. Though I have a knack for expository writing, I've never tried writing personal narratives and I'd love your feedback about my writing style, what kinds of posts you'd like to see, etc.
Here are a few of the reasons I started blogging:
Reason #1: I want to share my teaching journey with others. I've been so motivated by world language blogs I follow that I thought perhaps a few other language teachers out there might somehow grow from reading about my experiences. When I wasn't getting professional development that inspired and challenged me, I turned to other teachers that I followed religiously and it completely transformed my teaching. Perhaps it sounds ridiculous, but I would love to positively impact teachers and their classrooms.
Reason #2: I want to share my lesson and classroom ideas with you! In the beginning, I was an absolute consumer of Spanish teacher content available on the internet, but I'm finally at the point where I think it is only fair that I give back and contribute to the greater good. I hope that you don't read this and believe that I think I am an expert. I'm not and I definitely don't think I am. I thrive on constantly improving and I rarely think anything I do is good enough. However, I know that all of us have amazing ideas to contribute and I'm tired of just taking instead of giving. Also, I've come to realize that my district WL colleagues view me as a resource and a leader. I figured that if I'm able to inspire my co-workers that perhaps other teachers would appreciate my curricular ideas as well.
Reason #3: I want to be part of something bigger than myself and I want to join the movement. The amount of change I've seen in the way languages are being taught since I started teaching in 2005 is incredible. It seems that playing field has totally changed and I LOVE what I see. Perhaps I'm late to the party, but I'm so excited by the proficiency movement that I just can't sit back and watch without joining in. I feel such a passion for foreign language curriculum and methodology that I am constantly reading and talking about it, so I figured I might as well right about it. There have to be some of you out there who feel as strongly as I do, right? Right?!
Reason #4: I want to connect with other language teachers. Although my ability to connect with other teachers is constantly evolving as I start communicating regularly on more social media platforms, I really value the teachers and bloggers with whom I communicate around the world. I love to share ideas on Facebook, have professional development chats on Twitter, see what other teachers are doing on Instagram, and scour for ideas on Pineterest. As you can see, I'm here to connect so I'd absolutely love it if you'd follow me on one or all of these social networks so I can get to know you. Follow me, Spanish with Sra. Shaw on any of the social media platforms below:
