Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More
It’s Grow Time
TL;DR: Educators are dealing with adversity and challenges like never before. After dealing with trauma, there is an opportunity for educators to grow. This challenging time can lead to positive, long-term changes in education. Our educational journey during this time is compared to the transformation of a seed to a tree. Finish the sentence: post-traumatic ____. Did you say stress … Read More
The Comparison Trap: Changing the Negative to a Positive
TL;DR: Don’t get caught in the comparison trap; there is often a lot behind the scenes that we don’t always see. Use comparison to fuel your classroom, not destroy it. Changing the negatives to positives by comparing only your work, considering the circumstances, and changing only to make improvements. In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to … Read More
Reflect Better: My Great Driving Passion
TL;DR: Introduction to a new series: Reflect Better. Reflect on your practices by focusing on the why, considering where you started, and valuing relationships. Reflecting can help inspire greatness and lead to personal growth. In the years between 1994 and 1997, I began listening to some powerful content. I think it was my mother who got me onto these audiotapes; … Read More
Let’s Get (Un)Comfortable…
TL;DR: Settling in to our comfort zone leads to stagnation. When we get outside our comfort zone, we grow and become better. Origination of “The Comfort Zone” I have always had trouble taking risks or thinking outside the box, for as long as I can remember. I often think back to my college years when it was time to choose … Read More