by Jessica Madenford | Sep 25, 2022 | Life's Journey, Stepping Out of The Classroom
Dear Diary, There’s a recurring scene in the movie “Soul” where all of the souls who have earned all their badges get to jump into their lives. Before the jump, they’ve explored, tried out new things, learned a lot, and then finally, the last badge appears. It’s only...
by Jessica Madenford | Sep 18, 2022 | Life's Journey, Stepping Out of The Classroom
When a loved one passes away, it can leave you feeling a rollercoaster of grief. The permanency of death weighs on you like you’re holding up a brick wall while crumbling pieces fall around you, despite your efforts to hold it all together. You know if you move,...
by Jessica Madenford | Sep 11, 2022 | Stepping Out of The Classroom
Dear Diary, There. I said it. I’m bored. As an art teacher, I feel bored. I’m teaching everyone else how to be creative throughout the day and it leaves no time for my own creativity. Creatively speaking, I’m bored. That’s just the beginning....
by Jessica Madenford | Sep 4, 2022 | Stepping Out of The Classroom
Dear Diary, In the spring of 2021, I sat at a desk of one of my three schools and Googled the question, “What can teachers do outside of the classroom with a teaching certificate?” Okay, it may not have been word-for-word that question. But it was pretty...
by Jessica Madenford | Nov 12, 2021 | Life's Journey, Stepping Out of The Classroom
Week 10 Dear Diary, I imagined that when my mom passed away, I would be filled with the grief of what could have been, that could not happen on earth. In the fleeting moments after learning of her death, that was exactly what happened. Walking with care, my colleague...
by Jessica Madenford | Oct 3, 2021 | Stepping Out of The Classroom
Week 5 Dear Diary, I am trusting in the process, which is easier said than done. Clarity for my future has brought excitement and an eagerness to spring forward to the next chapter of my journey. To be honest, I am impatient. I am ready to add value to the lives of...
