Do not minimize your story. Your story is not too small. You are not too small to tell it. We need your stories. We need to make space for storytelling and story listening in our schools and organizations.
Readers, Moles, and Data
The Real Work
Seeing progress reminds us that our actions matter.
Less is More
We can do hard things without being hard on ourselves. We can do hard things without being hard on others. We can do good work while living good lives.
Bravely Contributing
At the end of the day, everyone is someone’s kid. Don’t forget to take care of your inner kid too.
Baked Potatoes, Candles, & Mistakes
Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, the stress of the moment can make for a great story later.
Vulnerability is Magic
If nothing else this week, if you listened, you did the work. Don’t underestimate the power of good listening.
An Overlooked Durable Skill
Remain in patience pursuit of what matters most. And be patient with yourself and others as you work to make it happen.
Break in Routine
Productivity isn’t always doing. Sometimes it’s simply being, sitting with thoughts and the thoughts of others.
Naming the Good
As I say in the conclusion, “Thank you for your commitment to nurturing the potential of other people’s children and each other. Every time someone goes out into the world to do good, those who nurtured, inspired, and stretched them along the way are part of that person’s story. Educators are changing the world through others every day. This is our legacy.”
This Little Light
I’m not saying we stop thinking critically or stop offering constructive feedback. I’m just asking us be those people. The light shiners. The people who unearth that one remaining burning ember inside educators and nurture it, so it can burn bright and light the way for others.
MEGHAN LAWSON 