Wish Me Luck
Friday, March 17, 2006 at 9:00AM 
Yesterday I informed my principal that I will be quitting my job after this school year. Yes, I’ll be leaving Willowdale, one of the best schools on the face of the planet. Why? Well, as much as I adore the staff and students at Willowdale, I’m also being pulled in another direction. I immensely enjoy helping teachers use new learning tools. I’m ready to write more books. I’ve got a full summer of conferences and workshops. It’s so great being able to travel and meet folks from around the country. I love that my ideas and resources are helping teachers, most of whom I have never met. I am constantly amazed that something I type in my little Nebraska home makes its way to people across the globe. For a few years now I’ve tried to balance my passion for sharing with my love of teaching in a public school. I just can no longer do both as there just aren’t enough hours in the day for everything I want to do. I'm probably crazy for leaving such a great gig at Willowdale. Please wish me luck as I continue on my journey...
Here is what I wrote in an email my Willowdale colleagues:
I have made the decision to end my employment with Millard Public Schools after this school year. In some ways it was a difficult choice. I have taught at Willowdale for eight years, and I respect, admire, and consider everyone in the building a good friend. I have learned so much from each and every one of you. I am constantly amazed at the support Willowdale staff has given me over the years. I love you guys!I'm not moving. I'm not unhappy at Willowdale. I'm not leaving the education field. I'm not even leaving for another job. I hope to continue helping teachers and students learn and grow by writing books, speaking at events, and giving workshops. I'm excited to be my own boss (though I am certain that Susan is a far better one). I look forward to traveling. I look forward to connecting with educators and making a difference in the lives of students. Right now is the time I need to try this. Not only will it be an exciting change, but I will have more time for my cats, family, friends, and me.
My employment may be ending with Millard, but I hope to continue to learn about education and technology by volunteering time at the best school around--Willowdale. In the meantime, I hope that you can learn as much from me as you can in the next couple of months. I'm willing to help you learn anything I know how to do. Let's continue to be a leader in educational technology and finish the year with great learning opportunities for students!
I'm thrilled with the new direction my career will take, but I'm sad that I won't see my Willowdale family as often. I hope that I will be missed, but I also hope that you are happy for me.
Reader Comments (12)
Good luck, Tony!
Tony,
I know I speak for many when I say that we wish you all the best in your new endeavor.
Stephen
First, I know it was a hard decision and power to you for the challenges you've got ahead! How cool!
Secondly, what will I do without you!! You're my guru! Will you still have the forum/blog! I will go into withdrawal!!
Seriously, you are very respected and appreciated!
Tony...
Your path will be a great one! If you decide to open a company....count me in!
Luck!
Wendy
Congratulations on your decision to broaden your career path. While it is a bit scary, it is these moments that help you grow.
Selfishly, I look forward to the opportunity to read the books you will write and to hear you speak.
While I am sure Willowdale will miss you deeply, there are many open arms waiting to welcome you. It is very exciting to think that you will be able to touch so many more educators and administrators.
Best of luck. I'll see you "out there".
Tony,
I expect to cross paths sometime, somewhere at a conference. I have been in ed tech for only a short while, but have been following your work.
My interest lies with handhelds in the classroom. I'm wondering if you have done any podcasting from your handhelds.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
Best of luck in your new career path! You've been an inspiration to me as I've sought to integrate technology into my teaching. Thank you, and good luck in the future!
Good Luck, Tony.
With your obvious talent and ablities you're sure to be sucessful with all your endeavors.
Dale
Well, Tony, it's not really much of a surprise to me. I wondered how long you would actually be able to hold out. I know that you've felt limited in your time to pursue the various projects you have had a vision for doing. And it's not just doing projects, but creating and presenting with excellence. That's something the people at Willowdale will certainly miss...but others around the country will get to see more of :) God bless you as you continue to be the "guide by the side" for those of us in the education field. You're impact on students, too, does not go unnoticed. Kudos, man!
Thanks everybody! The support I have received has been phenomenal from both my Willowdale friends and online friends. All this reaffirms my decision! I appreciate all of the support.
This is in response to Brian asking me if I have done podcasting from my handheld...
The answer is "kind of." Last summer I used my Palm LifeDrive to record teachers and students at the NECC conference in Philadelphia. I then uploaded those audio clips to this blog (check out the http://learninginhand.com/blog/archive/2005_06_01_archive.html" REL="nofollow">June blog archives). This is the closest I got to podcasting from my handheld, but I didn't use the handheld to post the audio--only to record it.
Good Luck Tony! I am sure that you will have great success!