Learner. Human. Joyologist.
So, in our efforts to commit to systems, processes, and structures that grow academic achievement, let's not forget to create an environment that is disciplined about noticing and nourishing the good in others. As Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book, Big Magic, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them." Let's help people find them. And let's create an environment that helps us find the beauty in others too.
It's book launch day for Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact!
Secondary teachers don't often get to experience the scope of a students day. So, it's easy to make assumptions regarding how much our students are reading, writing, and moving. The teachers who participated in this experience said they felt like they needed more opportunities to get out of their seats to keep their energy levels and thinking levels up.
So, when it feels hopeless, thankless, and heavy, let's give ourselves the rest we need. And when there seems to be no amount of rest that can give us the energy we need, let's lean into wholeheartedness. Let's be present with others and ask thoughtful questions. Let's encourage them and nourish their greatest hopes for the positive impact they desire. Let's celebrate their unique individual magic with specificity and a genuine spirit.
The sun was shining and the vibes were high on Friday after work. I pulled into a local gas station which also serves as a convenience store and ice cream shop. A woman ordered an ice cream and upon making it for her and handing it across the counter, the young lady who scooped the... Continue Reading →
This is our legacy as educators. To care so deeply about the future of this world that we are willing at times to bruise our own egos in pursuit of a collective better for our kids and this world.
And sometimes support looks like making copies of the reading for people and subbing in classrooms. I believe so deeply in this work that I am willing to do whatever it takes to remove barriers. I subbed in a classroom last week, and I think I'm a better leader because of it. The further we are from the classroom and the day-to-day of our schools, the less clear we become about the support that is really needed. This is also why teacher and student voices are critical in the continuous improvement process. To my administrator friends, put on your sneakers, get out of your office, roll up your sleeves, and help out.
This work is hard. This work is important. This work is made better when we leverage the strengths of teammates and work together to design learning experiences.
Perhaps our schools need a little less hustle in certain areas, so we can give a little more heart. Perhaps school would feel more alive with learning if we felt a little more alive in our work. Perhaps we could see more of the beauty in others if we didn't sacrifice the beauty within ourselves. So, during this time of summer savor, maybe next school year is less about what you can do better and more about how to enjoy more. Maybe.
Tomorrow can be better than today, and collectively, we have the skills needed to make tomorrow better than today. Keep showing up. Together.
MEGHAN LAWSON 