20 years ago I observed a teacher running a classroom in a way that I dreamed of one day doing.  I remember listening to the way this person spoke with children, the way her classroom was organized, what her students were doing and how everything from her mouth was a question or encouraging praise. This was truly a classroom learning through inquiry. This teacher had a huge impact on my career! I never had a relationship with this person, our time together ended after that afternoon. Through my career, I would often think and speak of this person (she had no idea).

Five years ago, as a math coach, I was in a workshop listening to participants introduce themselves. From a distance, I heard "Kathy Egawa, literacy coach". My colleagues watched as I rose to my feet to see the face of the person who inspired my first years of teaching, and many many years after. After that meeting, Kathy and I re-connected. She loved hearing my story about the impact she made on this new teacher.

Kathy is now a  librarian in the district - she and I, along with another librarian formed a PLC (professional learning community) that meets twice a month. Our time together is filled with new learning, great conversation and food.  I recently spent the day with Kathy at her school, Pathfinder K-8. This was a professional day for me to see another librarian in action, see another space, talk about library logistics and procedures.  On Monday, Kathy spent the day at QAE, holding my hand during my first library inventory (9,245 books and equipment). Kathy and I are continual learners - the fact that I can give back to her after all these years makes me proud to be a teacher.

Have a great summer!

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian