Deeply Human Learning

The start of the school year is both exciting and exhausting. Both can be true.

Usually, it’s on Friday nights when I can feel the exhaustion of a meaningfully packed week settle into my bones and spirit.

But I can still feel that exhaustion on this Saturday night. So many good things. So many good people.

So much good. And so exhausting. Both can be true.

The idea that two opposing truths can be true feels important going into a new school year. Especially during a time in the world when we tend to be very ALL this and NONE of that about any given topic.

It can be true that we are doing great work and still have room to grow.

It can be true that we are very caring and yet need to work on making others feel well-cared for.

It can be true that we love our work and still question our future in this profession.

It can be true that we love both our students AND the content we teach.

It can be true that we are confident in our abilities and yet question our impact.

It can be true that we believe in the quality of our work and yet question how others see us and that work.

Holding two truths at the same time is exhausting in the now but life-giving in the later.

We can be…as I mention in Legacy of Learning, ridiculously in charge of how we talk to ourselves, and how we respond to the environment around us.

Instead of wasting mental energy trying to solve a puzzle, “Is it this or is it that?” Perhaps instead, we can allow ourselves to see the possibility in both without feeling less than or discouraged.

We are human. The variables are endless. Perhaps we should give ourselves, others, and situations the room to be. Room where much can be true.

You are capable and significant and trying.

And…you are unsure, exhausted, and have room for growth.

This can all be true.

Because you are the only you.

And that is why we need you. Just as you are this school year.

Our schools don’t need shiny perfect people. Our schools need deeply human learning. So keep showing up. We need you.