Day 21 - Patrick Larkin, Assistant Superintendent for Learning

It is hard to believe that I am entering my sixth year in Burlington! Moving to my new post in central office this year has certainly brought a new set of challenges as I am feeling like the "new kid" who is trying to learn all of the  names and navigate new hallways.   However, there are tremendous learning opportunities available when you step out of your comfort zone and accept a new challenge.  I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to accept this challenge in a place like Burlington where education and educators are supported.

As an administrator and a parent, I am impressed daily by the learning taking place in our schools. While none of us purport to be the perfect educator, there are so many examples of high-quality learning experiences taking place every day. Fortunately for me, I get to see a number of them first hand!

But there is good news for those who can't be in our classrooms each day to witness the happenings. Because more and more of our staff members are sharing a window into their classrooms with blogs and other online spaces, there are opportunities for others to follow along.

Day 11 - Andrew Dexter, Marshall Simonds Library/Media Specialist

The year has certainly started off with a bang. Marshall Simonds Middle School has nearly completed a massive renovation / addition project. It has also taken huge strides in educational technology, providing students with a richer, more engaging kind of education. As the Library Media Specialist, I have an important interpersonal position. It is my role to pair the teaching challenges with the resources and technology that could aid in the learning, by both teachers and students.

As with any group of professionals (and students), I assist a diverse set of learners. Trying to understand personalities and learning styles is critical (and often times fun). I have always been a creative person. I was always the student who would think of all of the obscure answers to problems and then finally arrive at the obvious ones last. It is wonderful to use my creativity and sometimes "obscure answers" to assist the full-spectrum of learners that I have before me every day.

Day 1 - Dr. Eric Conti, Superintendent of Schools

I love the first day of school.  After working in a cubicle for a large company during my first years after college, the first day of school was a welcomed change.  It is difficult to explain to adults who work outside of education the feeling of renewal each school year brings.  School buildings are empty shells without students and teachers.  The teaching and learning that takes place in classrooms bring the buildings to life each fall.  It is this energy that makes working in schools unique.  Many students are in new surroundings and meeting their teachers for the first time.  Students arrive to see friends they have been hanging with and friends who have been away all summer.  There are new classes of twelfth, eighth graders, and fifth graders who like their new status as senior members of their respective buildings.  There are teachers who are returning to classrooms that they have been working in for decades and teachers who are teaching in Burlington for the first time.  All of this familiarity and newness collides on the first day.  Everyone starts with an "A."

In addition to the regular excitement at the start of school, we are in the midst of an incredibly dynamic time in education.  New tools and open resources are bringing the world to us at an exponential rate.  Our primary mission to master content is changing into a mission to manage content.  We all need to be learners.  These times mark a sea change for public schools.  If we are to remain relevant, we need to create learning environments that empower and engage learners - adult and child.