Hope

Six years ago I learned about the one-word initiative Jon Gordon wrote about in his book, "One Word that will Change Your Life" that encourages people to identify one word that will be their driving force for the year (instead of a list of resolutions that are often hard to accomplish/attain).

I selected the following words over the years: believe (2016), wonder (2017), trust (2018), empower (2019) and see in 2020.

My one-word for 2021 is hope.  I chose this word after reflecting on living and leading through a pandemic and spending several hours watching and rewatching this commencement speech given by William McRaven, US Navy Admiral to the graduates at the University of Texas seven years ago.  I thought about the current needs of everyone in my life- my family, my friends, my colleagues, my students, and my community.  In his speech, Admiral McRaven suggests that one person can change the world by giving people hope. Right now- in the midst of so much unknown- we all need hope.  Admiral McRaven's words have truly inspired me to enter 2021 with a positive mindset despite the challenges and unknowns I am sure we will all face. His words lead me to select hope for my one-word and I am committed to living and leading with hope every day in this new year.

 

Honest Thoughts

I have read and processed these two quotes several times over the past few days and wanted to share my thinking with the hopes that my vulnerability helps other educators feel comfortable enough to share their thinking, too!

3-minute podcast sharing some honest thoughts

How are you getting through? Please share and connect below!  

We're going to be ok!

Today I was reminded of WHY I do this work. I was talking with some teachers about school reopening. There are so many unknowns and so many fears that we all are feeling- all warranted and valid. I am grateful that I work with educators who are willing to share their honest concerns and work together to do what is best for our students.

I am committed to creating a safe space for educators. I want them to remain passionate about their work, love their students, and to grow their practice. This is especially important as we continue to navigate the many unknowns of this pandemic. I truly believe that when educators are in a “safe place” to share their thinking and feel genuinely supported all of our children will get what they need. Educators have such amazing minds and sometimes the many demands of the work can get in the way. I am committed to working through these barriers with educators every day. I lead with my heart and will never stop doing that. This is a blessing and a curse, but in the end, I know that my honesty and love for all things teaching and learning will make a difference someday. We are in this together. We can never forget this. EVER. This is why we're going to be ok.

Below is a brief video I shared with our staff today at lunchtime (that was a part of an update newsletter). I hope it inspires others to do the same.

Be a Moment Maker!

There is a little boy in the classroom that is next to my office that has the brightest smile and gives the tightest hugs. He has the power to take my mind away from the intensity of the problems of the day and remind me of what matters most in my school- relationships.

A few weeks ago he asked to take his earned break with me and I was honored. He came into my office, we played with magnetic shapes and designed a house with a long driveway, and then he gave me a list of supplies to purchase for our next break together. He asked for balloons, straws, and tape (and possibly some glue). I had no idea what he wanted to make and he said he wanted to surprise me.

This past week I finally had all of the supplies and on Thursday he came to my office to create his masterpiece. I already had a “big kid” in my office, so the little boy took on the role of teaching both me and the “big kid” what to do. He instructed each of us to get two balloons and two straws. We helped one another one step at a time, and we ended up making a fidget tool that looks like the drawing below.

This little boy was filled with so much pride and excitement. He was jumping up and down- it seemed like he couldn’t believe it actually worked! Not only had he taught me how to make his creation, but he also taught a big kid (who was otherwise having a tough day).

I am so grateful that I had this experience. This is a moment of “unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meaning can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am committed to the very challenging work of being an educational leader and I will continue to prioritize moments like this with students (and staff).