We are: one family (the Wolff's), two teachers and we wear five hats: mothers; mother in law; daughter in law; bubbie; teachers.
We, Karen and Ann, (MIL/DIL) don't just love each other because we're family, but we like and respect each other. We often sit over coffee (and if she's lucky, warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies), discussing topics we are both passionate about: children, education and of course, family. Our talks are open and honest, and we often have differing views. but, what we have in common is our passion for figuring out what makes our students "tick" and that we were both looking for our, "what's next?"
Wolff Educational Services was born.
Here's a bit about us....
I, Ann, worked for York Region District School Board for over 25 years as a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). Within that role, I worked with all types of exceptional students and their families. While I always loved my job/career, as my "retirement date" drew closer, I was reminded of a concert I had seen many years ago. My husband and I were in Las Vegas and felt fortunate to get tickets for a Frank Sinatra show (I said it was many years ago!) We spent days anticipating the "master" we were going to see, only to be hugely disappointed. Mr. Sinatra could not remember the lyrics, was out of tune and clearly, was trying to do something he was no longer able to do. That image stayed with me, and I didn't want to be "that teacher," too old to remember the content, too old to learn how to use the ever-present, ever-changing technology and generally out of sync. I wanted to retire while the younger staff still came to seek my advice, when parents continued to call for clarification and assistance and when the students kept coming into my office asking for help. So, I retired, but only from public education, and quickly began thinking about, "What's next?"
The proverbial 'lightbulb' went off over coffee with my daughter in law, Karen. She works at the Toronto Board of Education, most recently as a Program Leader for Safe and Caring Schools. Although she initially taught history and drama, her natural inclination led her to Special Education and working with "hard to reach" high school students. Her roles, both official and unofficial included: teacher, curriculum leader and social worker. She is a natural.
So, W2 was born. We've pooled our talents and our passions and our experience (over forty years of combined teaching experience) and our expertise. We are beyond excited to be beginning our business and our blogging. Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don't, but that's good. Karen is current and relevant and the mom of two young children. I have the experience and maturity and am the proud grandmother of four. It was only natural that we combine our collective talents and passions and create: 1.2.5.
Till our next lesson...