Walking Away From Tenure

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~Harriet Tubman


Last summer (2010) I walked away from tenure and with only five years left until retirement.  Why, in this economy and teacher layoffs would I do something so crazy?  Was I unhappy with my job?  Was I not getting along with my peers, my administrators?

I loved my job and after 18 years there it felt like home.  My closest friends were there.  I was a leader in my local education association, a board member for the state school library association and a frequent presenter for the state department of education.  So why did I leave?

I dreamed of more....

In the midsts of the Alabama Education Technology Conference where I was a presenter at the Library Symposium I received a phone call from one of the top 100 high schools in the nation asking if I would be interested in a high school library position. I jumped a the opportunity and haven't had a moments regret. I have gained such valuable insight this year being surrounded by a new group of professionals that has only continued to spur my love of learning and my desire to grow professionally.

I can only dream where I can go from here...