I used to get seasick. I’d rock on those waves, stagger back and forth a bit, and then–finally–settle myself by looking at the horizon, the distant spot where the water meets the sky.

That’s what my first week back to school was like.

• I was rocked: good, but long, PD days got me thinking about new strategies and tools. 
• I staggered: still can’t sleep well the few nights before school starts.
• I settled: I looked on the horizon and could envision these current students improving their literacy skills.