Lori Sabo
January 10, 2014
When I realized I had no hope of finishing this difficult jigsaw puzzle on my own in time to present it as a gift to a huge Seattle Seahawks fan, I knew I had to abandon ship or recruit help. Fortunately, Gail and her beautiful daughter Maddie came to my rescue. They pitched in with fierce concentration and teamwork and within a couple of hours the difficult beast was done.
After they left, I felt really thankful to have friends who come to my aid when I need it, and I remembered how 18 years ago, Gail came to my rescue professionally. I was struggling with the basal program I was required to teach. It was meeting the needs of my average students, but neither my struggling students nor my proficient students were getting instruction that matched their levels.
Gail's daughter and my son were in first grade together. When we met at parent night, I asked her what she was doing to meet the needs of her students. She graciously invited me to her classroom to learn about Daily 5, and my professional life changed forever.
In the years since, district resources have continued to come and go. They can all be woven into the structure of Daily 5, and the CAFE Menu continues to meet the specific needs of every boy and girl.
I am fortunate to have outstanding teammates. When I've exhausted my knowledge store and am wondering how to help students master concepts they have yet to grasp, or when I am new to a unit of study and need someone to explain the big picture, I can always rely on the amazing professionals at my school.
It can be easy to isolate ourselves in this job. But if we are willing to ask for help when we need it, and if we are willing to collaborate with others, then growth, positive learning, and meaningful change can and will take place. Let's not be afraid to ask for help.