This is a field, a plateau, a mountain range that we find ourselves within. One we find ourselves climbing and walking across every day- this is our chosen location. This is our self-actualized, self-designed geography. Every one of us has our own limitations, our own strengths, our own latitude and longitude- where we have built our home. Our classroom residence. The habitat we have built.
A living breathing entity- busting with renewal, decomposition and change. Succumbing to the seasons. Pivoting with the sunrise and sunset. Enduring the harsh, bitter layers of snow, only to be revitalized with the dew and pollen of spring. This world we enter daily, this cornucopia of energy, this fluctuation of amazing growth and subtle expectations- it is exactly what we make of it.
Let's pretend, if for no other reason than our imaginations keep us full of anticipation and hope- that we can see beyond the place. Let's pretend it is any landscape our hearts desire: desert, jungle or ocean. Each full of life and transition. Within each a hidden city, a bustling interaction of flora and fauna. Yet, unless we are in a vast, overgrown forest, we rarely see. Let's pretend we see it.
Let's envision knowledge chains and knowledge webs- levels of exchange and development. Cascading, continuous, scaffolds of incremental progress- punctuated equilibrium. For slow, advancing innovation lasts. It intertwines with the present, it wraps itself around the roots of formidable positive revision. This ecosystem is, as with all nature, modifying to its circumstances. Our circumstances.
Evolving, expanding, emanating it rustles to attention, with the winds of thought and action.
At times dormant, but for the most part, sprouting new networks: mycelium, canopies, ground dwelling creatures. Adaptations springing forth as climate hinders. Paths well worn are covered with overgrowth. Once rooted, ideas grow tall. Forests grow thick, expanding- providing shelter, nourishment and security for residences to thrive.
Let's pretend that no matter our preferred venue- we are open for travel. We are excited about change- because that is how our ecosystem thrives. Let's pretend that words and actions of those who have never walked amongst our trees, placed their feet within the grains of sand- that surround us on a daily basis- do not deforest or destroy our hope.
Let's pretend that the inhabitants of our ecosystem find their niche. Find the tools to construct the habitat they desire. So they can see the world from the perspective of their choosing. Let's secure the location, keep watch, settle in as sentinels every one of us, perched a top the branches of opportunity. So that we can bend them low and stretch them far and wide, lift them high above ourselves- so every child can grab hold and find their perch.
Education is an ecosystem- and teachers choose their landscape every day. They choose to entangle in learning and watch the giant leaves gather water in which their students drink. They create the paradise and oasis's that attract and hydrate the soul. They create safe environments, havens of learning, where voices call out directions to find the watering hole. To gather and build community. To form an interchange so vast- continents are connected.
Let's pretend for a moment our classroom is not isolated. That is has this mycelial network, a deep, vast web of connection- just like the ecosystems of planet Earth. These ecosystems are all bordered by another. Each folding into one another. Each transitioning into one another. This is education. Webs, herds, flocks, prides and populations. Interconnected with diversity and variation. Layered with levels of beauty and succession.
Seasons bring change. Climate shifts the flora from dense to light. Temperature shifts the fauna from scavengers and migratory animals- to residents and predators. Every ecosystem bustling to different degrees. Yet every one of them unique. Everyone of them alive with hope. Transitioning and evolving. Ebbing and flowing. Growing and lying dormant. But each with the energy of life.
Let's pretend our ecosystem is awakening from a spell of dormancy. Sprouts uncurling in the sunlight. Animals awakening from their slumber. The stillness swirling into a noise, a sound, an interchange alive with opportunity. Vibrating with growth. Singing, chirping, howling- with battle cries far and wide. We are no longer entombed- we are stretching our minds, our bodies and entering our ecosystems.
Ever evolving, expanding, emanating. Branches connecting. Behemoths rising from the canopy. Reaching great heights. The undergrowth thriving- rising taller and huddling together into a bustling city. Insects, animals, fungus taking their spots- adding their energy. Every layer- reaching its purposeful progression. This is our ecosystem- never ceasing to expand and evolve. Never ebbing the emanation of energy.
Let's pretend we have all the energy we need to thrive within its borders. We have all the grace of sustainability. All the hope of regeneration. Our role, our niche in this grand, stunning, gregarious, steadfast, bountiful world of education is ours to decide. But, no matter what you choose- you are integral. You are indispensable.
You are a constituent in its vastness. It covers every corner of the planet- like the expansive ecosystems of the globe. Your role can change. Your path can veer. But your voice will echo within the chamber of its essence. Every one of us is fundamental. Every educator is intrinsic to the heartbeat of the ecosystem we call education. Close your eyes and listen, for its pulsation is universal. You know it is. You have felt it.
Every morning when you enter your classroom, or the hallways of the ecosystem you live in- whether forest, estuary, savannah or tundra- know you make a difference. Know unequivocally, you are a resident here in this global biosphere- we are members of a great society. A phenomenal pedagogic planet of surveyors, purveyors and conveyors. Of learners, listeners and loyal servants. We are educators.
We are teachers, administrators, custodians, librarians, cafeteria staff, security officers, parents, students, volunteers- we are all members of the ecosystem. So we may pretend our ecosystem is our own- yet, we know it is not. We may pretend what we do does not make a difference- but every little thing we do in this ecosystem matters. We change the discourse. We change the course, the flow, patterns and outcomes.
For that, we do not need to pretend. We need to engage and feel our presence in this pulsating, fast paced world. We need to continue the evolution, expansion and emanation of evidence, information and innovation. But every once in awhile- we also need to not take ourselves so seriously.
We need to forgive our misjudgments and misunderstandings and grow from them. We need to stop, close our eyes and listen- for the ecosystem it hums with truth. It ticks and tickles our senses with hope and grace. We need to embrace the ecosystem and make sure our branches lift up and connect us with others.
The ecosystem of education is never isolated, never down for the count- because it is forever fluctuating and stretching. So let's pretend we have a say in its success, its sustainability. Why? Because we do. But sometimes pretending a bit, imagining that it looks like a thriving forest can be helpful- because it gives us a sense of wonder. A sense of connection - and this, well this, is the reason we are in this ecosystem right?
Listen to the hum. The vibration. The bustle and the moments of stillness. But listen. Then generate your contribution and sign it loudly for all to hear. You will be amazed at who answers your call.
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