This week is my 39th birthday and, like most people approaching a milestone birthday, I've started making a list of what I'd like to accomplish before the big 4-0. First on my to-do list: Read 40 books by my 40th birthday.

When I told my husband that, he said, "Altogether? Like in a year?" It's ambitious for me and, apparently, for most Americans. A recent survey reported 12 books to be the average, but about a fourth of American adults hadn't even read one book in the last 12 months. Yikes! I've never officially counted how many books I've read in one year before, but I do try to keep track here. 

In my family, I am known as a reader, the bookworm. As much as I love reading, I can't say that I am always reading something. My tendency is to read in binges, often reading a whole series in succession--the year of Harry Potter and Hunger Games weekend come to mind. 

Parenthood has dramatically changed my reading habits in recent times. Since my daughter was born, I've noticed I'm a more prolific reader when I'm forced to sit and be still with all other entertainment options removed. I read bunches while nursing my child and during that phase where I had to sit in her room until she fell asleep every night. eReaders are a lifesaver in those situations. But now sustained attention to any task with a three-year-old around is a challenge.  Vacations filled with books on the beach are distant memories, too. 

Knowing that I'm unlikely to invent more time to read, I realized that there would have to some behavior changes on my part if I'm really going to digest roughly one book a week until next December. Austin Kleon's recent newsletter mentioned year-end lists and linked to his post on how he read over 70 books in 2014.  I was inspired! Based on his seven tips and a few of my own ground rules, I've come up with a plan. Here goes...

 1. Runs from December 2015 to December 2016.
 2. Books can be counted as long as they are finished by my birthday 2016 regardless of start date.
 3. Professional books (nonfiction) and personal books (fiction and nonfiction) count.
 4. Children's books do not count, unless they are chapter length.
 5. Format is irrelevant - eBooks, audiobooks, traditionally bound are all fair game.
 6. Books before Facebook. Limit social media and read a book instead.
 7. Go to bed earlier and read. See also #6.
 8. Travel with books. Always.  See also #6.
 9. Talk about books and ideas more and less about people. See also #6.
10. Remember this is not a chore. You actually like reading. A lot. It's like being forced to eat ice cream and wear soft pants every day. Enjoy it, dadgummit! 

Ready, Set, Go! 

I told this group of veterans that what I saw was actually quite an inspiration to me. In fact, one of the things I love most about my job is working with new teachers to the profession. In most cases, beginning teachers come into the profession ready to take on the world, be amazing at everything, and rock the classroom. Folks tend to either resent this unbridled enthusiasm with rolled eyes and "you'll learn" comments or they feed off it by recharging their own batteries.  Knowing that I love working with new teachers, it's not hard to guess where I fit. 

One of my favorite children's books, Verdi by Janell Cannon, tells the story of that reminds me of what beginning teachers go through during the early years in their careers. The green grumblers, the old snakes in the book, tell young and vibrant Verdi that he may be wild and crazy now, but it won't stay like that. Someday, they say,  he'll learn his lesson and be as curmudgeonly as them.  Verdi desperately tries to avoid becoming a green grumbler until he ultimately finds himself broken and as grumpy as he once feared. That is, until he meets the next generation of young, rambunctious snakes, that help him find his joy once again. 

©New Teacher Center

There are grumblers in every building that can infect new teachers with negative attitudes. Jennifer Gonzalez at Cult of Pedagogy calls them walnut trees.  In looking at data regarding new teachers' attitudes, it's easy to see how the disillusionment phase makes a beginning teacher susceptible to grumblers.  New teachers tell me they thought about quitting over Christmas or starting job searching to do something--anything-- else.

But things typically turn around after winter break. Maybe it's the combination of extra sleep, a change of scenery and festivities that gets them back, but they return a little more optimistic then they left. 

As Spring Break approaches, I can see the change in the weather and the climb back up toward anticipation.

"I can do this," one induction teacher told me recently, which I know is a sign of good things to come. 

As teacher leaders, it's important for us to be the marigolds that support beginning teachers as they navigate the challenges of the first few years--the hardest most teachers face in their careers. If we aren't careful, the grumblers -- the walnut trees-- will prevail and an eager new teacher will find himself stuck in the valley of disillusionment. 

Our profession, and more importantly, our students deserve better than that.