Wednesday, July 15, 2020

One A Day. Day 3


Restless, anxious, worried. We are at a time in our world in which there are more days waking up with these emotions than any other. What will school look like? Will students return in just a few short weeks? Will teachers feel safe and supported?

Recently, teachers were referred to as "essential employees" during this pandemic. And, while teachers are always essential in the education of our youth, is it accurate that they qualify for this distinction in such a time of unknown?

Police, fire, medical. That speaks to me as an essential employee. Keeping the food chain supply running. Again, essential. What we have defined as "essential" is different in the eyes of many. (That is an argument for another day.)

Yet, during this pandemic and with schools set to re-open in just a few weeks, teachers are now being placed in this category. Essential.

Mental health, social well being, academic growth and providing up to two meals a day to many of our students are all important aspects of being in the field of education.

Proudly and eagerly and if given the opportunity, and valuing the career path I chose over 25 years ago, I am committed to being, and most certainly believe, educators are essential today, tomorrow and the weeks and years to come.

Will I still be restless, you bet. Will we have all the answers to all the unknowns, doubtful. Will there be days of anxiousness, yes there will. However, will I step up and do what I am asked? 100%.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

One A Day, Day 2


Day 2.

Today is another day to learn, grow, lead and listen. Impacting others and taking in knowledge from those that can share their expertise.

I've never thought of my self as an expert in much of anything. If anything. There are a lot of things I think I am good at but nothing I could say I am an expert at.

I think of those that have refined their craft. Athletes, musicians, artists and entertainers. There are definitely educational leaders that I would consider experts in their field. Those that I turn to when we seek guidance and direction and we lean on their knowledge. Rick Wormeli for starters.

In education, I continue to learn in the hopes that over time my ability and desire to constantly get better at what I do can be the difference for someone else. Focusing on being knowledgable in many areas of this field in which I have give of myself hopefully helps others. And in return, helps me.

Are you an expert in something? What is it and how do you define that? I would love to hear your definition and how it applies to your work, your life and your world.


Monday, July 13, 2020

One A Day.


You have to start somewhere. Somehow, some way.

Been gone from this for far too long. Some of my best learning came from writing. Rather, it came from reading. Or was it reflecting? Or was it all 3?

Great educators, great friends, great people entered my world in education (and beyond) through the platform of writing and reading and reflecting. Blogging.

I am not the most prolific writer. My days may not be nearly as exciting as your days. You are probably more well read. You probably write more, share more and therefore learn more. But I am not going to allow that fear of failure stop me from taking another run at this.

I have the time. I have the desire. And, like you, simply want to ready for tomorrow. Whatever that may look like.

So, going to start with a blank page. Not going to overthink it. I am going to just write.

And maybe, very possibly, I will learn more today than I knew yesterday.

I am challenging myself to write One A Day, starting today.




Thursday, January 16, 2020

Grateful for the Team


What is your favorite quote when it comes to the team work of your school or organization? While there are many, there has to be one that stands out to you.

For me, the team that I am surrounded by continues to show and demonstrate the abilities we have in making a difference in a students life and in a teachers role. It is not just about impacting the learner, it is also about impacting the colleagues we work with each day.

This morning, the leadership team I work with most closely had the opportunity to share out the great things that are happening by the entire staff. The Campus staff are the ones with students each and every moment of every day.

On the Innovation Campus we take great pride in the experience of our students. We emphasize that it is the interactions that our students have with adults, the relationships that are formed and the active learning that takes place that makes all of the difference in our world.

Once we focus on that - the relationships, the lessons and the experience, then all of the pieces and parts come together as one.

The Team is making their difference.

Today, the Leadership Team of Stacy, Scott, Lauren, Trevor and Jennifer had the amazing privilege and opportunity to share out all of the incredible moments that are happening in every aspect of our Campus.

For the work that they do, the time they devote to this Campus, the way in which they share their passion for those around them, I am grateful. We are grateful for the teachers we work with, the team that leads the work, the parents that send us their children to serve, the vision of the district that provides us these opportunities to do what we do and especially the students who come eager and willing to be engaged in this place.

This team. Our team. Whether it is small in numbers or big in size, is what makes the difference in the teaching, learning and leading that we experience each day. I am grateful for all of this, and more.

More gratitude to come...


Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Power of Friendship


Whether it is the people that we work with, the friends we have created through social media platforms like Twitter, or strangers that become life-long friends, I am grateful for each and everyone one of the connections I have made.

Recently I ran into an issue with my blog page, domain account and understanding and fixing what to many is a simple task, is not so simple to merge, direct and connect the pieces and parts of the web world and blog sites.

Through countless emails to the domain provider and hosting site, scouring You Tube for self-help videos and literally taking hours to engage in online tech chats, it was the power of having personal connections that not only came to my rescue but also resolved the issues I was facing.

With this experience it reinforced what I already knew. The power of relationships, also known as friendships, and the people that sat by my side (literally) or where hundreds of miles away and took time away from their own hectic schedules to help me, is what made all the difference in the world.

And, while I am grateful for technology and the tools that we are afforded because of it, I am most grateful for the people that help us in all aspects of our lives.

In this moment, I am most grateful for Kelly and Jennifer for everything they did when I needed it most. I am beyond grateful for your patience, knowledge and most importantly, your friendship.

More gratitude to come...