What I Learned About ‘Online Learning’ in British Columbia

The most effective, successful professionals are constantly learning, they take the time to apply what they have learned, and they continually work to improve themselves. Joel Gardner, digital learning technologist As I continue my transition from the classroom of the brick and mortar school towards the burgeoning dominion of online or virtual learning , I … Continue reading What I Learned About ‘Online Learning’ in British Columbia →

Beauty (& Humility) of Mentorship

Colleagues are a wonderful thing - but mentors, that's where the real work gets done. Junot Diaz I recently became involved in our local teacher association's mentorship program. What an empowering and humbling experience! After nearly twenty-six years in education, it was time. Time to offer my colleagues something that I acknowledged was missing during … Continue reading Beauty (& Humility) of Mentorship →

My Act II: One Year Anniversary

Our mistakes don't limit us, our fears do. Maya Vargas Well, it has been exactly one year since I made the wise decision to take a leave of absence in order to properly address what had become very burdensome: mental ill-health. The time and space were essential for healing, resetting, and fortifying my emotional agility … Continue reading My Act II: One Year Anniversary →

Fostering My Knowingness

Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way. Florence Scovel Shinn It's rarely wrong. It usually speaks to my integrity. It knows right from wrong. Its voice can be a loud banging or a subtle nuance. And its often ignored at the peril of the individual. Intuition. I think … Continue reading Fostering My Knowingness →

Core Value #5: Relationship

Community is a place where the connection felt in our hearts make themselves known in the bonds between people, and where the tuggings and pullings of those bonds keep opening our hearts. Parker J. Palmer Without question, relationships are integral components in all schools; a fundamental cornerstone of school culture. A simple Google search reveals … Continue reading Core Value #5: Relationship →

No, It’s Not Depression, It’s Languishing

You’re not depressed; you still have hope. You’re not burned out; you still have energy. But, you feel a little bit aimless and a little bit joyless. It’s that sense of emptiness and stagnation—like you’re in a void or you’re looking at the world through a foggy windshield.Adam Grant Recently, a wise colleague directed me … Continue reading No, It’s Not Depression, It’s Languishing →

A Shift: A Personal Mission Statement That I Didn’t Think I Had

Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.James Belasco & Ralph Stayer I am here. Here I am. Here is a point in my professional life when, where, and how I decide to move it forward. A transitional, … Continue reading A Shift: A Personal Mission Statement That I Didn’t Think I Had →

Rest. Rejuvenate. Reflect. Repeat.

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.Buddha Well, I did it (almost). It's a stunt that I have done to near flawless perfection on three other separate occasions in twenty-four years as an educator. But this time was different. I could not simply pullout of the 'graveyard … Continue reading Rest. Rejuvenate. Reflect. Repeat. →

Mental Health Wellness: got some?

Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.Audre Lorde, feminist and civil rights leader In anticipation of the coming fall and start of a new school year, I dedicated several hours a week over my summer since early July preparing for our return to the classroom. And while I spent hundreds of hours reading, watching videos, … Continue reading Mental Health Wellness: got some? →