Prep for One Set of Awards Helps Lessen the Pressure of Prep for Another

I haven't taken my collection "on the road" and to a show in about two years (the 2014 North American Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky.) Shows take a lot of prep work beforehand, and as a teacher, my weeks are very, very full. Finding time to make up a list of pieces to take, enter them in their classes, clean them, tag them, pack them, and so on takes me hours. So, unless the show is within a few hours of me, or being held during the summer, I stay home.

Late last fall a woman in the southern part of the state announced that she was going to hold a show, and it was exactly the kind I prefer - one that is based on the collectibility of the pieces. And, it was only a two hour drive away. That's doable!

I looked at my calendar and decided that I would have enough time in April to get ready for the show and sent my entry in.

Since then, though, things have changed. In February I received word that I have been nominated for The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). It is a big deal to be nominated, and there is lots of work to do as a potential recipient (recording a 45 minute video of myself teaching Science, a twelve page paper to write, ten pages of supplemental materials to upload, letters of recommendations to get, webinars to attend... ) Winners go to Washington, DC for several days and receive their award from President Obama.

I wanted to honor the Purdue professor who nominated me by applying, but when I saw the work involved, I decided to just frame the beautiful certificate that nominees receive and leave it at that.

But PAEMST also contacted Dr. Hanback, the superintendent of schools and Dr. Fraley, assistant superintendent of schools to announce my nomination. They asked me to reconsider my decision. My principal was also contacted by PAEMST and she offered to give me a professional half-day so I could get started on gathering my materials and making my plans. With their support, I finally agreed to apply.

That decision has added a lot to my after-school hours. But I am determined to not cancel my plans to attend the collectibility show despite the time I am having to spend preparing for PAEMST.

This weekend I spent much of Saturday choosing models to take, typing up documentation cards, and getting organized for the show.

My office at the end of the day.

I had so much fun pulling ponies and prepping for the show. In fact, it was quite relaxing, something I've needed since I have felt so much pressure about getting my paperwork in for PAEMST. (I've even had trouble sleeping, I've been so worried about getting it all done.)

In fact, I would say that the show prep was just what I needed to lessen that pressure and give me a breather from the PAEMST business.

I find it ironic that preparing for model horse awards makes me feel better about my preparation for another award!