President’s Message

August 2008

Greetings to All

Being that my name is new to many of you, I thought I should take a few minutes to introduce myself. I am entering my 8th year of teaching at Parkway West High school and my second year as department chair. In addition to teaching math, I also coach baseball and help with various activities throughout the school year. I also happen to be a member of several professional organizations like MEGSL and NCTM. However, I feel very fortunate that several of my close colleagues actively participate on the MEGSL Executive Board and encouraged me to get involved. So with their encouragement, here I am writing my President's Message and trying to determine if the fact that I am a Green Bay Packers fan and a superhero enthusiast (yes, The Dark Knight is the best movie of the year thus far) is too much information!

I think we all agree that the summer is a time to rejuvenate our being, on both a personal and a professional level. Personally, the end of summer creates a clash of excitement and disappointment for me. I enjoy the extra time with my daughter and wife, but I also look forward to new classes and trying new things. My summer has included pool time, play-dates, and trips to the Y. It has also included MEGSL work, curriculum writing, a co-teaching workshop, and a trip to the AP national conference. When I look back on the professional undertakings of my summer, I feel rejuvenated and better prepared for the upcoming school year. Why you ask?

Because of you, that's why. I have read several books on educational theories, leadership, curriculum, and other aspects related to teaching over the past few years. And while I have learned some great things from these books, they just do not measure up to the numerous things I have learned from my colleagues: colleagues in my school, in my district, and even out of state! The power, the beauty, and the art of teaching lies in the heart of the teacher, and what better way to share those intricacies of teaching than through great conversation. That's why I want to invite you to be a part of MEGSL. Yes, my invitation is partly selfish. I want you, the great teachers, at our meetings and conferences, so that I can grow and adapt and become a better, stronger teacher.

We are planning a great fall meeting that will take place on September 18 at CBC High School with the social hour starting at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting to follow directly at 7:00 p.m.; and once again, MEGSL will be partnering with Texas Instruments for a regional conference on November 14th and 15th at Parkway West High school (registration forms and speaker applications for the conference are also available for download). Please come and share your wisdom, your humor, and your ideas with your colleagues. I hope that the last few weeks of summer provide what Dante says everyone searches for—peace and rest.

Aaron Hickman
MEGSL President
ahickman@pkwy.k12.mo.us