K.I.S.S. Me CATE (A Thank you letter to the California Association of Teachers of English)

K.I.S.S. Me, CATE!

After some well deserved down time, a.k.a.  naptime, I’ve had a chance to process and reflect upon the 3-day experience that was my first foray into CATE, the congregation of English teachers from elementary, secondary and college campuses across California.  From “Paying It Forward,” in the eyes of the retired heroes of the profession to the shimmer in the eyes of the “baby-teachers” in my presence, and all of those in between, these three professional days reminded me of the need for professional connection in addition to professional growth. From Richard Lederer’s language faux-pas that English teachers communally sigh and chuckle about to Sharon Draper’s authentic advice and encouraging and inspiring words that urge us to reach every child, no matter where they come from or who else is in their lives: I was inspired. Whether it be T.A. Barron insisting we glorify everyday heroes in the hope of changing the world or Zoreh Ghahremani showing us what “guru” and “heartfelt” feel like in pindrop silence and awe among each spirit who was in the ballroom: I was enamored. Or Ellen Hopkins and turning not-so-nice life experiences into poetic words that reach what some believe to be the unreachable or ending with Taylor Mali and being reminded that “Teachers Make” so much more than anyone could put a price tag on: I was on fire. Free books (and stuff and you know the word “free” to teachers = WIN!), good conversation, meeting real life heroes and those doing things you dream of yourself: I would not trade the experience for anything. To all of those things, I say, “K.I.S.S. Me, CATE!” A trifecta of days that gave Knowledge, sponsored Inquiry, filled our hearts with Sentiment and passion for our chosen vocation while bringing forth genuine Soul-filled-Smiles. Not only did I leave with an armful of author signed books, ideas to use in the classroom TOMORROW, inspiration from my “elders” and a sense that my goals and ideals are on track and in line with many others, I felt like a true professional and am charged to reach back and grab others to join the throngs of educators working toward an educational ideal. I am ready to “Pay It Forward” and live to teach, survive and thrive another day. Thank you, CATE.