This summer an offer to submit a story for the upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul book titled Teacher Tales was presented to the State Teachers of the Year (SToY). Several of us (including me) were eager to take up this offer and submitted a story. The few entries received from our group were well received by CSS to the point that Amy Newmark, (owner and editor of CSS) spoke to our SToY group and invited all ToYs to submit a story. This was beyond wonderful to say the least!

If you are looking for that perfect book to get the new teacher, your child’s classroom teacher, or you just want to read some heart-touching, hilariously funny, or inspirational stories about school life…please read this extraordinary book called Teacher Tales. I have included a link to the amazon site that offers the book at a reduced price. Also, you can view the Table of Contents and other sections of this book…if you browse the Table of Contents my story appears under the heading “The Teacher Who Changed My Life” page 243. My story is about Mrs. Roberta Dutton-Morrill, my fourth grade teacher, who truly inspired me to become a teacher. If you look at my Biography on this blog site, you will see that a year ago I mentioned my placement in her room was what I consider a “divine intervention.” How fitting that the name of my story in this book be titled just that.

Thank you Mrs. Dutton for your unconditional love and support during that challenging year…you are an angel on earth. Bravo…Chicken Soup for the Soul publishing company for allowing us (the 2009 State Teachers of the Year) to share our stories and hopefully touch the lives of others.

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Inspirational-Appreciative/dp/1935096478

I've got all my sisters with me!

A truly historic event has happened in the city I love and call home, my endearing sister-in-law, Colleen Hilton, is Westbrook’s new Mayor! Colleen is one of those people that makes you want to be a better person just by being in her presence. Her work ethic, compassion for others, interpersonal skills, team approach, and passion for this city makes her an incredible asset to this community. Please check out Avery Yale Kamla’s blog site to see and her more about the Inaugural Ball on January 9th.

http://blogs.mainetoday.com/blogs/portland-in-a-snap/inaugural-ball-celebrates-westbrooks-first-woman-mayor

Colleen you are a true inspiration to me and to our family! I am so very proud of you…Congratulations!

Hello...Super Grover are you there?

Okay, I’m not sure if you all remember what happened to me last New Year’s Eve?  I was told by Martin McKeon the 2008 ME ToY, that there was a tradition of being called at 12:00 a.m. This call would come in a prank-call kind of way…”It’s yours”…”click!”  So being the good sport that I am, I stayed up practicing a variety of not-so-friendly sounding voices to use when Marty called. I sat in my bed watching the New Year’s event unfold on the streets of New York…all the while, giggling to myself at this great plan I had for scaring the 2008 ToY. (I was going to act like he had the wrong number and sound like an old, agitated lady) My giggles faded slowly around 12:10 a.m. when I realized I had been stood up.  I know what you are thinking…how could this happen??? It was just plain cruel, because I was tired and wanted to go to sleep as you can tell by my giggling and scheming.

Do not worry my dear friends…after I told this story to Kevin Grover my predecessor, I knew the 12 a.m. calling tradition would become a reality. (He had a glimmer in his eye during our conversation.) As 11:58 neared, I was armed with my cell phone to tell me the actual satellite time and my cordless phone. As Dick Clark started the count down…my fingers swiftly dialed the numbers…(207)-1-800-Suppah-Grover (don’t try this number, he has since changed it as every Maine School Board in crisis was calling him!). My mind raced…would he be there?

I swear to you, Kevin Grover, truly possesses super powers! The phone never RANG and I hear “hello” on the other end. I started cracking up…I think someone was a little too excited to take my job away from me!  I stopped him in mid-sentence and told him to kiss his wife first…unfortunately, she was asleep and my husband was playing in his band at Hollywood Slots…so, the two ToYs (one old and one brand new) greeted the New Year together. It was really cool! I have a feeling that Kevin will keep this new tradition alive! I feel as if I may be a bad influence on Mr. Grover, because I made him promise to wear the banner (all ToYs receive one at their surprise assembly) like a cape if he won (because that was what I did at my assembly…it was my tribute to the Olympics) and now he will be prank calling the 2011 ToY. On a serious note, I am so thrilled for Kevin and his family as he embarks on this fantastic journey as our Maine Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Kevin!

Happy New Year to all of you and may your lives be blessed with peace, love, and laughter!

Yellow Light Breen is the new Chair of the MCEE

The Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education (MCEE) held its 12th Annual Celebration of Leadership Luncheon at the Harraseeket Inn, in Freeport, Maine. The Coalition believes in thanking and honoring educators (teachers, administrators, & curriculum leaders) who show impressive leadership abilities. The MCEE invites each Maine Teacher of the Year to be an active member of their board. Today, I was very pleased when the coalition asked me to stay on their board for three more years. I am proud of the work the MCEE does and I encourage all Maine residents to look at the new initiative we are working on called “Education is Job #1! If you would like to know more about the MCEE and our initiative, please go to the MCEE link:  http://www.mainecee.org/default.asp

Unbelievably, one year ago I was the recipient of the 2009 Maine Teacher of the Year award. Tonight, I have the privilege and honor of passing the crown off to the amazing Mr. Kevin Grover of Falmouth. Kevin and I have been fortunate to spend time talking and sharing our about experiences as teachers in communities we both live and work, as parents of children nearly the same age, and as jibjab aficionados. (You must check out jibjab.com!) I need to let you in on a little secret… Mr. Grover may look serious on the outside; however, he is a very funny guy! Oh and for the 2011 possible candidates, you may want to consider buying an afro to even be considered for this position. You see I have a fondness for disco music, 70s clothing, and yes afros. Little did we know, Kevin Grover, also has his own afro and holds disco dances in his classroom. I’m just saying 2011 teachers…get your groove on if you want a shot at being the ME 2011 T.o.Y.

The night was spectacular and we had several special guests speak: The Commissioner of Education, Susan Gendron, a representative from SMART Technologies, Peter Geiger (Geiger Bros.), Tap Fitzgerald (Hannaford), Jim Banks (ME Board of Education), Cary Olson-Cartwright (UNUM & JMG), Me (2009 ME T.o.Y.), and Super Grover the 2010 ME  T.o.Y.

As soon as I can figure out how to share my slideshow (it is quite long and has many graphics…too large of a file to upload here), I will post it for you to see first-hand the wonderful experiences I was presented while in this most fabulous position.

Check out Kevin Grover’s Wiki page…

http://me2010toy.wikispaces.com/TOY+Banquet

Today is the beginning of a new journey…I am starting my doctorate in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning! Walden University was extremely gracious in giving each 2009 State Teacher of the Year a tuition free degree. I am excited to pursue this degree as I realize the importance of having an effective, passionate, and caring leader at the forefront of a school. Fortunately for me, I work with amazing school leaders in Westbrook. I am hopeful that someday I too will have the opportunity to make a difference for more students, parents, staff members, and the community as a school leader.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gloria L. Noyes….ha.ha.  I like the sounds of that!!!  I only have three years to go!!!

The Pearson Foundation afforded the State Teachers of the Year the opportunity to attend one of three broadway shows. I was fortunate to see The Jersey Boys, it was FABULOUS!!! The music, storyline, and production was spectacular. Pictured above are several of the state teachers…(L to R) Vicki (New York), Linda (Illinois), Cindy (Kansas), Derek (Minnesota), Me…(Maine), Debbie (Louisiana),Kim (back is turned D.C.), and Barbara (Rhode Island).

Our night ended with dinner at Carmine’s restaurant. The food was exquisite and offered artistic food displays. After dinner we presented our friend Murali from American Samoa with a check for 2,500.00, in hopes of helping the people of his area who had just been hit by a tsunami. In two days, our SToY group raised $1, 250.00 and when the Pearson Foundation heard what we did they offered to match it!

My night ended with a shopping trip to the M & M store to buy my two sons (Isaac and Maxwell) a few gifts. I was in awe of the nightlife, lights, and energy that New York City offered. On a Sunday night in Westbrook, Maine… you would be lucky to see two or three people walking down Main Street.

The next morning at 6 a.m.the SToY group went to the Today Show Plaza to promote an upcoming Pearson sponsored event called, “Read for the Record.” On October 8th, everyone will be encouraged to read Eric Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar to raise money for early literacy awareness.

After the Today Show the SToYs all made a video about why we teach. This was a very cool process. You had to be filmed first, then you and a partner worked on editing, splicing, and adding effects to your video. Please check out the amazing stories of the 2009 State Teachers of the Year…you might want to grab some tissues!!! Enjoy! These videos can be seen at:

http://pearsonfoundation.org/ccsso-toy/2009/vid-Maine.html

http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/ccsso-toy/2009/index.html

The last day in New York was by far the hardest day! New York marked our final chapter on the great year of traveling and learning together as a collective group. Although I truly believe several of us will be in contact with one another, the likelihood of us all being under the same roof at the same time is rare.  Today, my heart aches…it is hard to know that in a few months I will not be greeted by my fifty plus friends at our next engagement. I am sad that the voices I grew to love will not be sharing a precious story in one of the many accents I had grown accustom to. However, my life is forever more beautiful and changed for the gifts that each of my friends have given to me. The stories, laughter, and unconditional love will resonate within my memories and my heart. I am a better person and teacher for knowing this extraordinary 2009 SToY group.  Until we meet again… may love and peace fill your hearts!

Our day started with a greeting from the President and CEO of ETS, Kurt Landgraf.  He was very warm, teacher friendly and thoughtful in his address to us.  We then heard three of the N.T.o.Y.s share their incredible journeys and how they now see themselves in leadership roles.

Mary Beth Blegen, the 1996 National Teacher of the Year, said a few things that seemed to weigh heavily with me.  One of the most powerful things I heard her quote was…” We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.”  This is so true.  Think about this statement… it is simple, yet profound.  She also said to “stop whining” it doesn’t change anything.  Again, true.  Instead of using all the energy it takes to whine, I think I’ll use that energy to make a change or help find a solution to my “whine.”  Mary Beth talked a lot about what it looks like to be a teacher leader, she said three key words that would benefit anyone in a leadership role and that is to:  Listen, Learn, and Ask Questions.  As someone who would like to someday pursue more leadership roles, I will cradle these ideas and use them always.

Our day was full of intriguing speakers and we finished the work part of our day in our home rooms, once again processing what we heard all day and how we will take what we have learned and use it to serve more students, colleagues, parents, etc. After this session ended @ 4Pm, we got ready for another night of being entertained and spoiled.

Our group went to Hamilton, NJ, to see the “Grounds for Sculpture” http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/collect.htm a 35-acre public sculpture park.  J. Seward Johnson (on a side note…his family is “the Johnson and Johnson” family)  created an outdoor permanent art collection of sculptures that includes his take on Renoir, Monet and Vanderbilt to name a few.  It was breath taking and surreal.  The grounds were meticulously groomed with lighted paths, gorgeous landscaping and the art was stunning.  After a guided tour, we were seated in the restaurant called “Rat’s” (named after The Wind in the Willow book and character known as “Ratty.” ) for a five course meal that had specific wines to accompany each selection.  It was a divine evening!

Traveling to New Jersey was lovely…the flight was on-time, my luggage was there waiting for me and the car ride with two of the dearest teachers from North Carolina and Wisconsin was filled with laughter and gorgeous views of Princeton.  We stayed at the stunningly lavish Chauncey Center http://www.ahl-chauncey.com/gallery/index.cfm is owned by ETS. (Educational Testing Service) This generous organization along with the CCSSO/National Teacher of the Year Program helped sponsor all of the State Teachers of the Year who attended this conference.  We were provided with a beautiful facility to use during our thoughtful discussions and presentations.  Thank you ETS and CCSSO!!!  Our guest rooms were splendid as well.  I’m starting to get used to being pampered like this… a different state every two months…maids cleaning my room… gourmet meals… lavish affairs… maybe this conference should be called… Back to Reality Steps to Avoid Severe Depression.

Our time in Princeton was full of rich learning opportunities to discuss and ponder what it means to be a S.T.o.Y, and what we will do with this life changing experience.  We were fortunate to hear from several speakers, five of whom were former National Teachers of the Year… Mary Beth Blegen (1996), Betsy Rogers (2003), Kimberly Oliver Burnim (2006), Andrea Peterson (2007) and Mike Geisen (2008).  It was so interesting to hear what each N.T.o.Y. has done since their year as a state teacher and as a national teacher. Some have stayed in the classroom, while a few have gone into consulting type roles.  We also had home room sessions facilitated by the past N.T.o.Y.s.  I happened to be in the New England + group (we also had a few other states that are regionally near us) facilitated by Kimberly Oliver Burnim.  I don’t care what anyone says, New Englanders rock!!!  In all seriousness, we are a very close group and I foresee us reuniting frequently.  We even had the National Teacher of the Year, Anthony “Tony” Mullen, from Connecticut in our group.  You should check out his blog on the Teacher Magazine website: http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teacher_of_the_year/ He has such a gift for writing and for provoking a deep and insightful way to view the things he witnesses on his own journey, as the 2009 National Teacher of the Year.

New England S.T.o.Y. 2009 Group

Some of the questions we processed over the three days were: Who was I in Dallas? (That was our first conference as state teachers)  What did I learn?  What did I teach?  Who and how do I lead? and Where do I go from here?  It was a great way to finalize our year.  Listening to everyone respond to these questions, as well as writing down and sharing my thoughts…made me realize that my Teacher of the Year journey isn’t ending, it is actually just beginning.  I have done so many cool things this year… things that have opened my mind and challenged my teaching soul.  I’ve been inspired to use my voice and I’m not afraid to lead should I need to.  I am a changed person for the better.

Today, I was so proud to be a part of a very precious assembly.  The new Maine Teacher of the Year, Mr. Kevin Grover, was given his “surprise” assembly at the Lunt School in Falmouth.  I only wish that everyone could have felt the enormous outpouring of love, pride and support that filled the gymnasium as Mr. Grover entered the room.  It was so moving and gorgeous that all I could think about was my own experience, last year.  It’s hard to express the utter love and humbleness you feel at a moment like this… it truly is.  It was obvious on Kevin’s face that he understood exactly this feeling.

It’s hard to pass the torch off… when you love what you have been blessed with so very much.  Being the Maine Teacher of the Year comes with many responsibilities, and at times it can be a little overwhelming and challenging.  However, it was and will always be a gift that was worth every second of my time.  It is refreshing and exciting to know that Kevin will be the new voice for Maine educators, students and parents.  He has become a friend in this ToY process and I know we will work together for many years to come.  I let him have his day in the limelight, but just remember Mr. Super Grover Maine Teacher of the Year 2010, I am still here until December 31st at 11:59 PM EASTERN TIME!!!  I may even give you a call to let you know that it’s all yours.  The question is will you be awake or will I have to wake you up? 

Just because I’m nearing the end of my 2009 journey as the METoY… it only means that my journey has just begun.  (I’m a glass half full…kind of person.)  Congratulations once again, Kevin!  You rock!