The Pressure is On

Year 6 of 7 in Kindergarten, and the PRESSURE is on.

Not the pressure of change, mandates, or parents rather the pressure that consumes me, is the pressure imposed by my students.

The pressure to be better than I was the day before, the pressure to be more engaging, more willing to take risks, and learning from my students feedback, the pressure to ensure Kindergarten stays fun, beyond day 1.

I face this pressure and push back, as I grow as a teacher leader. I don’t let the pressure define what I can’t do, rather, what I WILL do. I will work hard, share what I have learned, and grow because of the pressure.

Often pressure is viewed as negative, but in my eyes pressure is an rewarding experience. This pressure is what continues to keep me in the profession of teaching. This same pressure has encouraged me to seek and attain National Board Certification, start a book study for my grade level, and provide parents with weekly opportunities to read with their child during the day. This pressure has pushed me to find avenues to encourage teacher voice in many areas to include curriculum and policy.

Each year I have a positive outlook on this pressure because it encourages me to collaborate with others, try new activities and refine my practice and grow as a professional. I stay in the profession knowing that every year I have the choice to grow, and it’s a choice I gladly make.

As we begin a new school year, embrace the pressure, use it to refine your practice and grow, your students and our profession is depending on it.

Danielle Brown

Danielle Brown

Sierra Vista, Arizona

My name is Danielle Brown, and I am a PROUD, National Board Certified (EC-GEN) public school Kindergarten teacher in Southeast Arizona. I will begin my seventh year teaching, with one year as the arts integration specialist and 6 years as a kindergarten teacher. I have a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona and am currently pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership.

I believe in Board Certification and I support teachers, as a Candidate Support Provider, in their work to achieve Board Certification. I am continuing my journey of teacher leadership from the classroom as a 2016 ASCD Influence Leader, focusing on engaging educators in policy, as well as working as a National Policy Teacher Fellow with Hope Street Group, as well as a new member on the Arizona Teacher Solutions® Team.
I love connecting with other educators, staying solutions oriented and growing as a professional.

You can find me on Twitter @TeachDB17, reach out, connect and let’s grow together.

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