TL;DR: To think better, we have to be willing to think differently. Consider the questions we ask ourselves. Perhaps rather than asking a question, make a statement. Be mindful of the language you use. Shift your mindset to be present every day. This changes your thinking so instead of thinking ahead, you can focus on now. 3 ways to get … Read More
Creating & Nurturing Linguistically Inclusive Spaces
TL;DR: Dig into your own language identity and reflect on the ways in which language is weaponized. This post shares a number of ways we can create and nurture linguistically inclusive and linguistically safe spaces in our classrooms, schools, and communities. Consider your instructional materials, start a campaign, and engage with your local agencies or businesses. “You’re in America. Speak … Read More
Just a Teacher
TL;DR: In education, there can be a lot of pressure to take roles outside of the classroom. But it is okay to be “just a teacher.” Trust your feelings and follow a path that you desire, not what you think other people want you to do. The first memory I have of wanting to be a teacher was probably in … Read More
Lessons Learned From Change: The Beauty of Switching It Up
TL;DR: Over the course of a long career in education, there can be numerous opportunities for change. There are five lessons learned from change: (1) It can be an adventure. (2) A new perspective is important. (3) People are people. (4) We are enough. (5) It makes us stronger. I spend some time at the end of every school year … Read More
The Stages of Resilience in an Unprecedented School Year
TL;DR: This year did not go the way we anticipated and every element was constantly changing. Regardless of how unprecedented this year was, you did it. You made it to the end of this chapter. The three stages of resilience from this unpreceded year include regret, reflection, and resilience. The Stages of Resilience – Stage One: Regret This school year … Read More