A metaphor I have often used to think about teaching is to compare it to sailing a boat. In order for you to be able to sail smoothly you have be prepared for the challenges ahead. Do you have your life vest? Did you check the weather before leaving shore? Do you have a bailing device in case you start to take on water? Do you know how to contact the coast guard if you get into trouble?
As teachers, we must be able to stay calm when the waves start to “rock the boat.” We know that it is important to reflect on the choices we have made for the sake of ourselves and our passengers. We are also aware of how important it is to be flexible and adapt to the changing tides as we learn how to handle stormy seas in order to navigate our way to calmer waters.
