TL;DR: The final weeks of the school year are filled with a range of emotions as students and staff say goodbye and reflect on their growth together. Reflecting on the instructional design, learning culture, academic interventions, relationships, equity, professional growth, and self-care can support personal and professional development. The importance of asking the right questions, embracing uncertainty, and celebrating the … Read More
Redefined Joy Beyond the Classroom
TL;DR: Teachers can repurpose their passion by exploring new opportunities beyond the classroom. This requires reflection, reconditioning, remodeling, and restoring. Reflect on your vision, recondition your resources, remodel your journey, and restore your joy with intention. Embrace change, take risks, and step outside of your comfort zone to make a difference in the lives of students and the education system … Read More
Lessons from the Faculty of Education
TL;DR: Knowing yourself as a teacher is an important consideration. The importance of knowing you will face or witness racism is a consideration. Teamwork opportunities and reflection afterward are other important considerations. Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions Do you know yourself really well as an educator? What kind of institutional racism have you witnessed in education? How have you set … Read More
Rekindle Your Teaching JOY by Prioritizing Problem-Solving
TL;DR: There are strategies to help you accomplish tasks and feel joy. Writing down your to-dos and figuring out what needs to be the focus can help clear your mind. Use tools to help you work through your problems and challenges to find joy. When chaos abounds (and when doesn’t it as an educator?) and things feel like they are … Read More
Looking Back on 20 Years in K-12 Education
TL;DR: Read a reflection on some pieces of Dana’s journey in K-12 education. There are many people to thank over the course of 20 years. This week, in early August, I recall it being exactly 20 years since I first came to Colorado and began my journey in K-12 education. World Traveller Context I lived in Quebec City, Canada for … Read More