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
Think Better: Staying Present and Leaving Shouldville Behind
TL;DR: Many teachers battle with shouldville—all of the things we should do or have done. Dwelling on all the things can cause stress, anxiety, and resentment. Make sure you are really focusing on what is most beneficial including your own personal time. As an educator, August was always the month that I quickly found myself living in shouldville. I would find … Read More
Let’s Recombobulate
TL;DR: Recombobulate is an amazing word that means to cause to think again or reorient. Let’s get in the right mindset for the school year. Each day, say the entire date aloud. It reminds you that today is not only temporary but a fresh start and a new opportunity. Reclaim quiet pockets of time at the very beginning and end … Read More