No Longer a Novice Author(s): Katie Toppel Source: The Reading Teacher, Vol. 64, No. 1 (SEPTEMBER 2010), p.

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Katie Toppel

Kindergarten Teacher Durham Elementary, Tigard, Oregon, USA

No

Longer

a Novice
treasured bits of knowledge that I collect from thewise words of Lucy Calkins, The 2 Sisters, Debbie Miller, and the like. Ibecame endorsed in special education and ESOL not because I wanted to become a specialist, but because I wanted to be the best possible classroom teacher I could be by learning about appropriate teaching strategies fordifferences that are inherent among groups of to learn

As Ibeginmy fifth yearof

teachers instead of trusting myself. Iam ready to quiet the inner dialogue that convinces me others are the professionals who know more than Ido in order experienced to embrace
become.

teacher that lingerswithin me, compelling me to seek the advice and approval of other, more

teaching, it is finally time to shed the self-imposed label of novice

as happy just

something from me as I am to learn from them. There is not a critical point when one magically transforms froma novice teacher to an expert; rather, the lines are blurred and there is a journey

the professional

Ihave

continuous toward greater

Ihave spent endless hours poring over books, taking classes, and attending workshops in order to absorb the expertise of veteran teachers who bookshelves "know itall." My are stocked with texts about

young children. Throughout my firstfouryears in the profession, I have learned a lot about teaching and education, yet ithas taken me this long to feel as though Idon't have to rely entirely on others in

understanding, precision of craft, and efficiency of skills. I will always hesitate to proclaim expertise, yet Ihave reached a point at which I need to start viewing my teaching self ina new light that extends beyond my assistance role as the apprentice seeking from themaster. I

teaching and learning. The margins are

order to get it right. I can draw from my own experiences and make decisions that reflectwhat practice.

filled with notes

have learned throughmy personal Although there are many veteran teachers who excel at what they do, Ihave come to

finally feel like 1have established will fairbalance between what I take fromothers and what Ihave to offer in return,and Ihope to begin this new school year with a renewed confidence in what I have to offer to both my students and my colleagues.

and the pages are flagged with fluorescent Post-Its marking meaningful passages and memorable quotes. Idevour information about how to be an effective teacher and cherish the

we are all on a journey realize that to do more and be more thanwe currently are. They would likelybe

The Reading Teacher invitesyour essays for View From the Chalkboard, written by current elementary teachers forelementary teachers. E-mail sfortner@reading.org forsubmission details.

The Reading Teacher, 64(1), p. 65 DOI:10.1598/RT.64.1.9

ISSN: 0034-0561print / 1936-2714 online

2010

International Reading Association

This content downloaded from 161.139.39.211 on Mon, 4 Nov 2013 10:55:54 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions