While I was attending Western Governors University to obtain my teaching certificate in secondary social studies I was unable to maintain this blog. I have since graduated and am looking forward to new opportunities, challenges and experiences that this post-baccalaureate degree will bring me. As I do so I intend to share my experiences and lessons in this blog. I feel as people we can share with others the most valuable experiences as we all try and navigate the game of life.
Last year I was the 8th grade basketball coach, I was offered a spot on the high school staff for this year. I was honored and privileged to be given this opportunity because this group of freshman are a special group; Incredibly athletic, high basketball IQ and hungry to get better. At the end of the 8th grade season I knew they were special, so having the chance to coach them again this year was an incredible opportunity. These three adjectives are a coaches dream so I knew immediately I wanted to home to the high school with them.
As an adult and as a coach, I am always looking to be better. I am ambitious with my career as well as with my personal characteristics. I have learned a great deal about coaching high school sports from these guys as well as have been reaffirmed that what I am doing things right. The boys are smiling, positive with each other at practice, we can joke with each other, it is really fun to be around them and to be together as a group. The other side is parents are happy as well, they are a supportive group and so knowing they are happy with whats happening is important for me as well the future success of our program. My contribution to this environment is making it fun as well as developing relationships that go beyond the X's and O's.
When I was done with my student teaching, the principal told me my ability to relate to students beyond the material, whether basketball or humanities will pay huge dividends for me over the course of my career. This was probably the greatest compliment for me because I have always felt this. To hear it from the principal reaffirms that I have chosen the right career and will be able to make it rewarding and enriching for me.
It is important to remember that all individuals have something to offer, youth and teens do as well. I like to think I am a "student of the game" part of that is realizing I can learn from my players just as they are learning from me.
Last year I was the 8th grade basketball coach, I was offered a spot on the high school staff for this year. I was honored and privileged to be given this opportunity because this group of freshman are a special group; Incredibly athletic, high basketball IQ and hungry to get better. At the end of the 8th grade season I knew they were special, so having the chance to coach them again this year was an incredible opportunity. These three adjectives are a coaches dream so I knew immediately I wanted to home to the high school with them.
As an adult and as a coach, I am always looking to be better. I am ambitious with my career as well as with my personal characteristics. I have learned a great deal about coaching high school sports from these guys as well as have been reaffirmed that what I am doing things right. The boys are smiling, positive with each other at practice, we can joke with each other, it is really fun to be around them and to be together as a group. The other side is parents are happy as well, they are a supportive group and so knowing they are happy with whats happening is important for me as well the future success of our program. My contribution to this environment is making it fun as well as developing relationships that go beyond the X's and O's.
When I was done with my student teaching, the principal told me my ability to relate to students beyond the material, whether basketball or humanities will pay huge dividends for me over the course of my career. This was probably the greatest compliment for me because I have always felt this. To hear it from the principal reaffirms that I have chosen the right career and will be able to make it rewarding and enriching for me.
It is important to remember that all individuals have something to offer, youth and teens do as well. I like to think I am a "student of the game" part of that is realizing I can learn from my players just as they are learning from me.