Truth: Students have a mind of their own. They cultivate it, over water it, and prune it accordingly. Let them garden.
Truth: Zoom does not hinder learning, it can enhance it. It all depends on engagement.
Truth: Students are the guardians of their galaxy. We are merely the molten metal from which they forge their ship.
Truth: Growth is important, learning is important, relationships are important- but real world experience, active learning, and honest conversations, are the only way we will create a setting for all of them to blossom.
Truth: Everyone has a secret. A fear, a doubt, a frustration- something they are carrying with them on a daily basis. Its their burden. Ours is our own.
Truth: Grace is a whisper that warms the soul. The sigh of relief. The smile of hope. The deep sense of belonging as your name is said and positive words are flowing- graceful teaching is the canvas of love.
Truth: More work does not make something challenging. Solving a mystery, figuring out a next move, debating an unwinnable topic- these are challenging.
Truth: Grades are numbers, letters. Feedback is an opportunity to see these tangible curves and shapes become meaningful moments of understanding.
Truth: We do not need to give feedback on every assignment. This will make feedback less meaningful. Where it matters, leave it. A rubric sometimes is the feedback.
Truth: Compacting does not always mean better. Being isolated does not mean more challenging. Engaging lessons are the best way to challenge and build community. Independent learning is important but so is collaboration.
Truth: Providing sketch notes to students before a test, or recording a podcast for review, is not 'giving them the answers' or eliminating the need for them to take notes and interact in class- it is just another way to bridge the gap, show the information in a different way, and to show them grace.
Truth: Before lessons are posted- ask oneself, would I enjoy this? If not, tweak it.
Truth: Welcome the giggles and disturbances- this means they are active, they are present. This is a time where learning seems to have been overshadowed by the unfolding of uncontrollable events. Let students be kids- they deserve it.
Truth: Bring lotion. Hands start to crack and itch after a day of washing and hand-sanitizer.
Truth: Keep something that makes you happy on your desk: Snow globe, Family Photo- something you can look at as a reminder- deep breath, stay positive.
Truth: Students sense the grump, the negative energy we carry when we are overwhelmed and frustrated. We need to regroup and re-center and make sure we are positive and our demeanor matches our words. - mindfulness matters
Truth: Self-care, mental health, time with family- these are what keeps our engines running and our momentum directional. Make sure you take time for yourself. You are not your job- say it- I am not my job.
Truth: We are educators and as such- we care deeply, we are warriors and rebels, we are magicians and innovators, we are the embodiment of guardian, care-giver and mentor. But we are also human.
Truth: Own your mistakes. Fix your errors and find solutions to the unforeseen and yet foreseeable issues that will arise. Be ready for the earthquake, flood and hurricane that is hovering just off screen. Make sure you are ready for the edit, the pivot, the launch.
Truth: Forgive, believe, trust and above all else listen. Students need us more now than ever before- we are all lost at sea right now- it takes a village they say. It takes a fleet, I say.
Truth: Lets steer into the tumult and brace for impact. Calm seas ahead, refuge ahead. Now though, we must set our sails for the edge of the storm- because it, as with everything, does have an end.
Truth: Every morning- set at least three goals. Write them down, this is important. (sticky notes) and post them in your room. Write a mantra- daily mantra for yourself. Say it frequently throughout the day. Remind yourself of your goals. At the end of the day- reflect. Find your strength in the little successes because together they add up to an amazing thing- growth.
Truth: Growth is not a tangible thing, it is part of our individual mindsets, our personal gardens of experience- all we can do is provide the soil, provide the shovel, provide the seed. The rest is up to our students. Be the sunlight. For that is our purpose.
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