June 2000

Leaving the high school classroom is very difficult for me. This morning was my last class of the school year and I said good-bye to my seniors with mixed feelings. In September I will miss the crowded room of new faces showing anxiety and apprehension as they begin another and final school year. I will certainly be with them in spirit.

But now I must move on to another adventure in teaching. My colleagues — the Teachers of the Year from all over the country — understand what this means. When we met with the President of the United States and the Secretary of Education, our responsibilities became clear. In this new millennium we must shout out the good news about our profession. Most teachers in America are dedicated educators who want nothing more than the success of the students they teach.

But we must also make clear that changes will need to be made in education so that each of us become not only good but great teachers. Let us make certain that every child is a literate member of society. Let us have solid professional development to help us reach this goal. Let us develop in ourselves the knowledge, passion, and commitment that every great teacher has.

And now it all begins. I am filled with excitement, eagerness, and some fear of the unknown. I know, however, that I am part of a larger community of adventurers. I will work hard to bring your message to all I reach. I will work hard to be a positive role model for our profession.

Dr. Marilyn Whirry

Check back often to see journal entries from the coming months.

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