Executive Director's Note

Betty Edwards

New Beginnings!

As I start my first conversation with you, I want to talk about the new beginnings that we all make that really aren't "new" or "beginnings" at all. Rather, they are opportunities built on a foundation of previous study, work, or experiences.

At this time of the year, we all are thinking about a new school year, a new teaching assignment, a new school, or a new job. The excitement that surrounds the beginning of a new school year is difficult to describe, but it is a special feeling that those of us who teach (or have taught) understand. It is a feeling of butterflies in the stomach and a tremendous sense of pride. I can remember my first teaching assignment and the days leading up to my first day in the classroom. The week before school started, I was shopping for school supplies. As I picked up those necessities for the classroom, I wanted to stop everyone in the store and tell them that I was a teacher! I don't think I will ever forget that feeling.

But, was that really a new beginning? Didn't each of us prepare for that moment? Isn't the first day in a classroom or a new job the compilation of years of preparation? Is it really the beginning—or the next step? Actually, each new experience is an opportunity for growth and development, and one experience builds on the next. Each advancement in our personal or professional growth is the result of decisions, deliberations, and directions that we have taken in the past. Rarely is anything we do or anything we achieve the result of random chance. Seeds of opportunity have been planted—whether we approach each task with a deliberateness of purpose or experience a seemingly unplanned adventure.

What is so wonderful is that new doors are constantly being opened to us, but we have to be prepared for what is offered—and we have to do our part to take each step. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to enhance our skills and careers while helping students learn and explore. What a job!! We get to grow personally and professionally while enabling others to grow.

There are many ways to grow—through classes, reading, learning communities, and professional engagement. Let me encourage each of you to take every professional experience that is open to you, because although you never know where it ultimately will take you, the trip and the destination will be worth that next step. I encourage you to let National Middle School Association be an avenue for your growth and involvement, and I invite you to join thousands of other members who make a difference.

So what can you do? The following is my top 10 list of ways to become involved, engaged, and excited about our work in middle level education.

1. Read Middle Ground and Middle School Journal.
2. Attend the NMSA national conference.
3. Participate in a professional learning community at your school, using NMSA resources as discussion points.
4. Participate in your NMSA affiliate.
5. Submit to be a presenter at NMSA and affiliate conferences.
6. Work with your teammates to develop learning opportunities for your students and submit your work in the NMSA and Pearson-Prentice Hall Teams That Make a Difference award program.
7. Run for election to serve on your affiliate's board or on the NMSA Board of Trustees.
8. Vote during board elections.
9. Volunteer to help at your affiliate conferences.
10. Work with your colleagues to celebrate Month of the Young Adolescent.

Each time you invest your time and expertise, you grow, and with each step you move closer to your next "new beginning." You will make new friends and acquaintances, expand your knowledge base and skills, and experience the unexpected. You will grow and help others grow.

I will forever be grateful for my experiences in a middle level classroom, working with the Kentucky Middle School Association, my first presentation experience at an NMSA conference, and my time on the NMSA Board of Trustees. Those experiences enriched my professional life, enhanced my work at my school, and gave me lifelong friends.

As I start my work as your executive director, I look forward to many new experiences, and I would love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail at bedwards@nmsa.org and let me know about your favorite new beginning and what led you to that experience.