Bright Spots: Lifting Each Other Up
Dear Educator,
As educators, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed by the enormous pace of change in the world. This can feel like a stark contrast to the change we see happening in our own schools and districts—where it can be hard to see the progress being made (but it is happening!). This is the difference between watching things change from the sidelines and doing the work of change every day.
I hear the stories and see the obstacles to meaningful change within the schools and districts Learner-Centered Collaborative partners with across the country. To support one another in this process, just as much as we push change, we also need to celebrate progress.
I have found that connecting with those who lift you up and push you to be better is well worth the investment. In the book, Crossing the Unknown Seas, this passage sums up the power of a community that builds up one another so work can be taken on with purpose and joy:
“You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest? The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.”
Educators are busy with life and work, and, no doubt, our plates are full. But when we connect with others to engage, learn, and grow, we can be filled with a sense of “wholeheartedness.” To continuously move forward, it is critical to have people to push you and affirm your path. For this week’s Bright Spot, I want to share an example of what it looks like to lift each other up.
With Gratitude,
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Lifting Each Other Up
My colleague, Brittany Griffin, facilitated Learner-Centered Innovation Cohorts in the Pittsburgh area this year and last week, they celebrated their year of learning. Although there was initial resistance from many educators to join the cohort because they were busy, feeling frustrated, and couldn't possibly do one more thing, they opted to try it out anyway. I'll let them share whether or not it was worth it.
When reflecting on their experience, some educators shared:
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“Having the time to meet new colleagues and discuss challenges plus solutions has been invaluable! Collaborative time is something teachers just don't have enough of, so that opportunity has been amazing.”
“All of it!! Some of these ideas I would have never thought about and it’s pushed my thinking in the way that I now know I can do so many things that I never thought would work!”
“I really enjoyed my time in this cohort. I enjoyed visiting other schools and seeing the great things that they are doing. I came away with some great resources to use in my classroom.”
There is tremendous power in people (not just programs) to make the changes we seek in our education system. The power is in the collective movement of those who are opening classroom doors, working within existing constraints and barriers, and building networks to continuously learn, share, and innovate. I truly believe that we can collectively improve our education system by focusing on what’s possible and working together to make it happen. This is just one amazing example.
Are you open to seeing better and bringing better to your learning community? Reply to this newsletter to share examples or tag me @katiemartinedu and #LCBrightSpots on social.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
We've curated these resources below that feature more examples of how we can lift each other up and take big steps toward our learner-centered visions.
1. Blog: Reclaiming Joy at the End of the School Year. As we enter the final two months of the school year, there's an opportunity to plan ahead and make sure students and teachers end the year on a high note with authentic celebrations. Read here.
2. Podcast: Honoring Growth Over Time With Competency-Based Assessment. This week, I connected with Bryanna Hanson, Learner-Centered Collaborative’s Director of Learning Design, to discuss her commitment to transforming assessment and grading practices that honor growth over time, rather than points and grades. Listen here.
3. Strategy: Nurture Gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful tool for teachers—both for personal and classroom applications. It can be used to help establish a healthy classroom culture as it increases feelings of optimism and joy, decreases anxiety and depression, and helps students feel more connected to their community. Explore how to bring gratitude into your learning space. Explore?here.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
What are your learner-centered Bright Spots?
Share your #LCBrightSpots on social media!
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