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)
Category: Education
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
COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe)
Change is the end result of all true learning.Leo Buscaglia We are witnessing the massive influence that disruptions from work and employment are having on our families, friends, and neighbours. But recent global research is showing that long-term school closures due to COVID-19 are (and continue to have) a massive impact on our kids that … Continue reading COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe)
Rethinking the Teaching of Tolerance In the Era of #BlackLivesMatter
Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.G.K. Chesterton Truth be told, I have always held the opinion that it is never too early to initiate formulations for the upcoming school year. Given the Black Lives Matter international movement, growing self-reflections and focus on anti-racism, and deafening call for global equity for all people … Continue reading Rethinking the Teaching of Tolerance In the Era of #BlackLivesMatter
How Learning Happens: My Summer Learning
Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly—they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.Aldous Huxley A colleague recently showed me a book that landed on her recommended list on Amazon: How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What They Mean in Practice by Paul A. Kirschner, Emeritus Professor of … Continue reading How Learning Happens: My Summer Learning
Paradoxical Tensions for Learning and Teaching Spaces
Not all good teachers use the same technique, but whatever technique they use, good teachers always find ways to induce this creative tension. ~Parker J. Palmer (Re)reading Parker Palmer's deeply reflective treatise on teaching and learning has brought me many 'aha' moments this spring. One particular piece that has continued to fuel my pedagogical values … Continue reading Paradoxical Tensions for Learning and Teaching Spaces
Be (Like) Water, My Friend
All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns. ~Bruce Lee Recently, our government announced a voluntary return to in-school learning plan starting next month. As a result, I find myself overcome with moments of uncertainty and worry often tinged with a perceived lack of control … Continue reading Be (Like) Water, My Friend
Interdependence Is Iterative
Being interdependent is a series of small repetitive motions. Interdependence is iterative. ~adrienne maree brown As I head into another weekend after eight weeks of supporting my students from behind a screen, I continually wonder, continually get curious about the effectiveness of the contributions that I am making to them and their families. A collection … Continue reading Interdependence Is Iterative
‘Community of Truth’ In a Time of Uncertainty (Part 2)
As I continue to reflect on my role as a teacher in what may become, to some degree, the new norm of education, I also continue to mine the depths of Parker Palmer's seminal book on what it means to be a teacher, The Courage to Teach. A few more pearls of heart-led wisdom that … Continue reading ‘Community of Truth’ In a Time of Uncertainty (Part 2)
A ‘Community of Truth’ In a Time of Uncertainty (Part 1)
Well, it looks like the gears are in motion for plans to have staff (and eventually students) return to school buildings this week. Admittedly, the announcement from our school administrator indicated that we should be ready for such an occurrence in "May/June" triggered a deep visceral reaction within. My sudden angst was augmented by the … Continue reading A ‘Community of Truth’ In a Time of Uncertainty (Part 1)
