"Every year I enroll in a class and put myself in the "learner seat." At first, I had to almost force myself to do it, as I struggled to find the time to both teach and learn. However, I finally figured out that I really enjoyed learning new ideas and skills again. Sometimes I take a class related to my teaching and other times I have taken a class in interior decorating and conversational Spanish. Believe it or not, I have used what I learned in those two classes many times at my school! I also have taken classes at the university, classes at the community college and evening classes at my high school. The best thing is that I am excited about learning and that has re-ignited my passion for teaching. Keeping up with new ideas, new programs, new curricula are all part of being a professional teacher. Instead of making me tired, becoming a student again has given me a big energy boost---I love it!"                         Elaine, Language Arts teacher for 22 years