Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)

If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Admittedly, I have had a rocky relationship … Continue reading Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue) →

Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition

I have been sitting as a member of a weekly men's circle for nearly five years. And in that time, I have witnessed many men weep, rage, express despair, and laugh together a whole lot! Recently, a fellow circle 'brother' shared his deep-felt feelings about success and failure as a person, man, father, and partner. … Continue reading Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition →

Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.Brene Brown In a previous post, I shared my deep dive into professional risk-taking when I decided to introduce visual art into the classroom for the first time in twenty-four years as an educator. This is part of the transformation personal awakening … Continue reading Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2 →

Cubism & The Risk of Vulnerability

Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth. Katherine Mansfield One of my professional and personal goals this year has been to take more risks. My primary motivation is that I want my students to take … Continue reading Cubism & The Risk of Vulnerability →

A Tough Question About Ourselves

Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity.  Andre Gide A recent revelation: We do not provide safety and vulnerability for us to share our gifts with each other; and just how difficult it is for most adults to talk about themselves. The fear of appearing bombastic or pretentious is often paralyzing. It is indeed a fine … Continue reading A Tough Question About Ourselves →

#Brainstorm: Understanding How Our Adolescent Brains Grow

When you are in your teenage years you are consciously experiencing everything for the first time, so adolescent stories are all beginnings. There are never any endings.Aidan Chambers Ah, yes, middle school. The thought of teaching this group of truly unique learners often strikes fear into the hearts of many a talented educator. Often friends … Continue reading #Brainstorm: Understanding How Our Adolescent Brains Grow →

Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom

A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.Rudolf Steiner Three weeks into our school year and I am experiencing some of the most beautiful and memorable moments as an educator … Continue reading Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom →

Clarity On What Learning Is (and Isn’t)

A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.Thomas Carruthers Thanks to a very dear colleague and passionate educator for reminding me of this wonderful representation to share with my students (especially at critical points throughout the year) as we embark on our journey to co-create our collective and individual learning experiences this week. (Hint: … Continue reading Clarity On What Learning Is (and Isn’t) →

Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature

The life force for humankind is, perhaps, nothing more or less than the passionate energy to connect express, and communicate.Rosamund Zander A significant chunk of my professional self-reflection this summer has circled around rediscovering my giving and receiving nature as a teacher. During my reading of The Compassion Classroom: Relationship Based Teaching and Learning by … Continue reading Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature →