A Eulogy (of sorts)

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.Dr. Seuss During a recent coaching session, it became clear to me that even though I said 'goodbye' to my old teaching position (choosing not to return after my personal leave), there was still a lingering feeling in my body. And then it landed. While I had … Continue reading A Eulogy (of sorts) →

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 →

Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality

Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.Russian Proverb Yep. Being a lifelong learner really does pay off. In spades. I am continually reminded of this by my dear students. Today, my gang spent the day outside, and it has become a daily exercise for us. COVID has given many of … Continue reading Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality →

Core Practice #4: Nourishment

When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.Alexander den Heijer The fourth core practice of our school is that of nourishment. This has been the most difficult (so far) in that nourishment is often viewed as a one-way lens. From one perspective, nourishment is seen easily defined … Continue reading Core Practice #4: Nourishment →

Core Practice #3: Empathy

Empathy is a choice; and it's a vulnerable choice. In order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling.Brene Brown My exploration of our school's seven core practices continues this week as I reflect on the context and practice of Core Practice #3: Empathy. The etymology of … Continue reading Core Practice #3: Empathy →

Core Practice #2: Courage

Fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome.Elizabeth Gilbert My journey of exploring our school core practices continues with reflecting how courage plays an elemental role in my daily professional practice. While the etymology of courage seems quite straightforward: … Continue reading Core Practice #2: Courage →

‘Operationalizing’ Our Core Values (Part 1)

[BLOG POST] Operationalizing Our Core Values (as a school) #bcedchat #edchat #values #emotionalintelligence #learning #communityoflearners

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) →

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 →

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 →