The past year has been an incredible time of adaptation, refinement and change in our schools. This comes on the heels of decades of educational evolution as we respond to the growing need for diverse learning strategies and social and emotional support. Even before the pandemic, schools had a pattern of trying out new innovations every few years, each implemented … Continue
Since March 2020, life has changed drastically as our nation has struggled with a global pandemic, racial injustice, a challenging election and civil unrest. Early on, scientists warned of the impact of these stressful events on physical and mental health. One year later, these impacts have come to fruition. Researchers are finding that due to the inability to cope with … Continue
As we enter Holiday Season, we are reminded again that this school year is so very different than any we have ever experienced. There will be no Snowball Dance, no Thanksgiving lunch with grandparents, no year-end Holiday Party with snacks and parent volunteers milling about. Semester exams look different, and every week there are adjustments to schools’ plans for virtual, … Continue
Many of us are well into week eight of virtual learning. Others are sustaining a fully-in-person model with social distancing, or a hybrid somewhere in-between. Still others have begun the semester one way, only to abruptly have to change course. Sure, we’ve had victories along the way. We’ve faced challenges and have learned valuable lessons. But the thing I hear … Continue
In a popular video clip, Brene Brown, author of Dare To Lead, describes the core components of empathy. Two of these components are recognizing emotion in someone else and communicating that recognition. In other words, “Empathy is feeling with someone,” Brown states. Empathy is essential for connection with others and is the foundation of positive relationships. Our educators are stressed. … Continue
Trauma Sensitive School practice has gained momentum in the last several years, inspiring changes in educator perspective, administrative policy, and classroom practice. I am often inspired by efforts to understand student challenges in new ways and use innovative strategies. What can give me pause is when this work is applied to institutions or systems where structural bias and inequity are … Continue
It seems like every news feed or social media post you have seen in in recent months leads with the same sentiment: “In these uncertain and trying times….” We see worries abound about the spread of coronavirus and an overrun healthcare system; stressed out families and a potential increase in abuse or domestic violence; business closings causing financial stressors and the long term negative consequences for people living in poverty; existing structural inequities that will result in a disproportionate impact … Continue
