Reflection in Learning

I arrived thinking about how to recognize when to bravely call out excuses we, as educators, often make about students. They are not ill intentioned... they are just programed into our social constructs. I'm reminded of the conflict with the Black Lives Matter movement and have appreciated the illuminations that have illustrated the need to recognize the inequities in our society - it's not that All Lives Don't Matter; it's just that we need to look deeper inside to understand how history has marginalized minorities. And do something about it. I've grown as a result of this introspection and now carry the duty to help others grow in their own way to boldly look into the shadows of their own hearts to confront their own biases. I was thinking about teacher attitudes, personality and teacher talk and then... BAM! I was introduced to Principal Kafele's idea of the Attitude Gap . Kafele challenges us to create a foundation in our school cultures where the adults bel

A Colleague shared this story to close out our first week back to school: A priest working in a small village decided to have a contest for the children. He put fruit and candies in a basket across a field and challenged the children to a race. The first one to the basket would get all the treats. When he said "go" he was surprised to see the children run hand in hand to the basket. When he asked them why they did that when one of them could have all the treats, they replied that they didn't want to leave anyone out.  This first week back is like that concept - let's walk hand in hand to carry all of us towards our goal of guiding children to discover their innate beauty and abilities and lead them to learn and grow in positive ways. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.  We have a lot to do in school to support students and families. Go forth and seek the good in our world!