Monday, April 15, 2019
Monday, April 8, 2019
Educators Unite! Let's share and celebrate everyone!
Why so often does it seem that educators are in competition with each other? Are we trying to push others out of bounds, so our information get noticed first? Is her book so much better than his? Can't they both be of value?
Sure, some of the book topics are similar with content and practices, but aren't we in this together? How come some amazing edu's that have authored books, will also gladly share and support others, but some will not even acknowledge others? It seems odd, that in our country of broken educational goals, values and systems, that we wouldn't be more united and celebratory of each other.
Take my buddy Adam Welcome, for example. I speak to Adam whenever I can, because I learn each time we chat - I hope it is reciprocal too, as we can get pretty deep at times. But here is the deal. Adam has written 3 books, 2 are published and 1 is currently in the publisher's hands (co-written with the amazing Lynn Colón). I see Adam taking pics and videos with so many other author's books and sharing the great things he's seen and read! Why? Because he wants others to succeed and rock it too! We should all be in this for EVERY CHILD. EACH TEACHER. ALL ADMIN.
The more we feel comfortable sharing our successes, wins, tricks, trades, messages, the better our students will be in the long run. Let's not have pride and money get in the way of helping others. We need to be on board, as a group of brains, bodies, beliefs, resources and ideas that make education great for every child in this nation and around the world!
I love to share my blogs, podcasts I guest on, articles I read, books I have learned from, and so much more. I tag others that I feel may enjoy or benefit from what I've learned or shared too. If someone isn't compelled to read, click, or share, then that is up to them. But if I see something amazing, I'll let the person know how much I like, have learned and have grown from their message. At the same time, I probably am too honest and transparent about my ideas at times and that throws people off! But, it's who I am.
Have you noticed that on Twitter, many people follow others because of a NAME, not the necessarily the content or learning they can garner from someone? Or, you'll see people get super excited because X followed them? With so many phenomenal educators, authors, professionals and others on our Social Media fingertips, we all need to make an effort to be open, share information, say no if needed, request ideas, but most importantly: Be genuine and kind. I get it. We are all busy in our own way of 24/7. We choose to give and/or spend time with those we feel we have the greatest connection, friendship or history with. Make the time meaningful. Help each other grow. Watch each other win and succeed. Isn't that what we need?
Publishers want to sell books and market authors. Authors want to sell books and market themselves and their messages out. I get it. As someone who will be a published author soon, I know that I am not going to be making much money (it is amazing how many books one needs to sell to be wealthy). I want to send a message. Share ideas. Help those in need with my charitable acts. It seems that most eduAuthors want this too. So, let's celebrate each other. Encourage each other. Share the wins. Watch the fireworks burst. But remember, we have about 60 million students in the U.S.A that need us, a united front of educators, making a difference for them. We should put that first.
Peace, my friends!
#DropOfKindness #CompelledTribe #PushBoundEDU
Sure, some of the book topics are similar with content and practices, but aren't we in this together? How come some amazing edu's that have authored books, will also gladly share and support others, but some will not even acknowledge others? It seems odd, that in our country of broken educational goals, values and systems, that we wouldn't be more united and celebratory of each other.
Take my buddy Adam Welcome, for example. I speak to Adam whenever I can, because I learn each time we chat - I hope it is reciprocal too, as we can get pretty deep at times. But here is the deal. Adam has written 3 books, 2 are published and 1 is currently in the publisher's hands (co-written with the amazing Lynn Colón). I see Adam taking pics and videos with so many other author's books and sharing the great things he's seen and read! Why? Because he wants others to succeed and rock it too! We should all be in this for EVERY CHILD. EACH TEACHER. ALL ADMIN.
The more we feel comfortable sharing our successes, wins, tricks, trades, messages, the better our students will be in the long run. Let's not have pride and money get in the way of helping others. We need to be on board, as a group of brains, bodies, beliefs, resources and ideas that make education great for every child in this nation and around the world!
I love to share my blogs, podcasts I guest on, articles I read, books I have learned from, and so much more. I tag others that I feel may enjoy or benefit from what I've learned or shared too. If someone isn't compelled to read, click, or share, then that is up to them. But if I see something amazing, I'll let the person know how much I like, have learned and have grown from their message. At the same time, I probably am too honest and transparent about my ideas at times and that throws people off! But, it's who I am.
Have you noticed that on Twitter, many people follow others because of a NAME, not the necessarily the content or learning they can garner from someone? Or, you'll see people get super excited because X followed them? With so many phenomenal educators, authors, professionals and others on our Social Media fingertips, we all need to make an effort to be open, share information, say no if needed, request ideas, but most importantly: Be genuine and kind. I get it. We are all busy in our own way of 24/7. We choose to give and/or spend time with those we feel we have the greatest connection, friendship or history with. Make the time meaningful. Help each other grow. Watch each other win and succeed. Isn't that what we need?
Publishers want to sell books and market authors. Authors want to sell books and market themselves and their messages out. I get it. As someone who will be a published author soon, I know that I am not going to be making much money (it is amazing how many books one needs to sell to be wealthy). I want to send a message. Share ideas. Help those in need with my charitable acts. It seems that most eduAuthors want this too. So, let's celebrate each other. Encourage each other. Share the wins. Watch the fireworks burst. But remember, we have about 60 million students in the U.S.A that need us, a united front of educators, making a difference for them. We should put that first.
Peace, my friends!
#DropOfKindness #CompelledTribe #PushBoundEDU
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Label our Clothing, not our Students
Why? Can't we shine in our unique ways? Isn't it OK to be #YOU? If my brain, body, or personality glitters in its own way, why is that not alright?
Special Ed. Gay. Bi. Dumb. GATE. Slow. Behavior Problem. Bully. Jerk. The list goes on, and on, and on. I would challenge you to see if you could go a whole day without hearing one of these labels, or worse.
From the White House, to the news, to schools, playgrounds, street corners and homes. The labeling continues. Why is it OK that our President can make fun of people of color, or from 3rd world countries or with learning challenges and have no one push back? Why has it become fine for staff members to write on student information cards: Behavior Problem, Needs to be separated from X, Should be in SpEd...Let's wipe it clean. Stop it now. Can't we be cool with all of us doing our own thing as long as we don't bother and hurt someone else?
Words Do Matter, my friends. And if we use a label enough, we become it. It is the way it is. Go look at a student's cume file some time. There it is: GATE, TRUANT, SUSPENDED. I get it. Some things we need to identify so that we are able to address issues, make connections, get background and then foster the relationship. But it does need to become us. We are better than this!
I challenge you to make a stand. Stop using labels. And, when you hear them, push back in a fashion that is kind, but direct: "Please don't use that term", or something similar. If we all work together, focused on helping us ALL, and uniting the work we do, it would be mind blowing to see how amazing we'd become.
Let's start today. In schools, playgrounds and at home. Remove labels from all humans. Let's retrain our young children not to say them, believe them, or hear them. That way, we may be able to help prevent a beautiful soul from harming them-self, or buying in to the BS. We've had enough tragic endings and suicides from people believing what others say. Start now with the littles, and we can positively change our cultural missteps.
It won't be easy. But who really cares. Easy is lame. Easy is so 1970's. Let's help those that need us the most.
Humans. People. Children. Adults.
It will take work. But I believe we CAN. Do you?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU
Monday, April 1, 2019
A 3 month check in with my #OneWord: YOU
Each year that I choose a #OneWord to focus on, I like to reflect and check in on my commitment and progress toward my goal. I believe it is imperative for us to continually reflect, check, and then iterate as needed. This not only keeps me true to my word, but it gives me a chance to either re-focus, if I have lost it, or continue my drive and faith.
When I came up with my #OneWord, YOU, I was quite intentional as to my choice. Over the last year, I had been a bit #Me focused and needed to rewire my attention to doing more to support others; YOU.
Over the last 3 months I have contributed to books, blogs, podcasts, PD, career advice, my father's care with his Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, supporting my mom in the transition, rebuilding some teacher morale, encouraging the focus on #AllKids at my school site, and trying to be a better father and husband at home.
While this may seem like a lot to some, I'm sure it may pale in comparison to others. But, that being said, I'm not in it to compete. I'm in on building a better YOU. And, what that may entail for some; a check in, hug, support via Voxer, more honesty conversation, healthy challenges and lifestyle, professional advice. For others I have tried to be more present, both physically and mentally, more disconnected from devices and Social Media, and for a few, just a "hey, you good?"
Over the next few weeks, I will become a published author for the first time. My children's book, thanks to Sarah Thomas at EduMatch, "One Drop of Kindness", will become a reality. I'm hoping that this will change the life of one or more students, teachers, parents, and leaders in how "Kindness" is looked upon and shared. My intent is to make a positive impact on YOU, so that we may find a kinder way to look at each and every individual and situation. I hope you can join the ripple effect with me.
If you didn't choose a #OneWord for whatever reason, that is all good too. Perhaps though, you can take a moment to reflect on how your calendar year is going. Are you on the path toward your goals? Are your intentions positive? Who is helping to keep you in check and accountable? Where might you need a tweak or two? Just some thoughts...
It is important for all of us to have a tribe, a circle, a crew, group, peeps, or whatever you may call it. We all need support, love, challenges, and hope. But at the same time, we need to reflect and grow. Let me know if I can help YOU! Not only is it my #OneWord, but it is my intent to make others better.
When I came up with my #OneWord, YOU, I was quite intentional as to my choice. Over the last year, I had been a bit #Me focused and needed to rewire my attention to doing more to support others; YOU.
Over the last 3 months I have contributed to books, blogs, podcasts, PD, career advice, my father's care with his Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, supporting my mom in the transition, rebuilding some teacher morale, encouraging the focus on #AllKids at my school site, and trying to be a better father and husband at home.
While this may seem like a lot to some, I'm sure it may pale in comparison to others. But, that being said, I'm not in it to compete. I'm in on building a better YOU. And, what that may entail for some; a check in, hug, support via Voxer, more honesty conversation, healthy challenges and lifestyle, professional advice. For others I have tried to be more present, both physically and mentally, more disconnected from devices and Social Media, and for a few, just a "hey, you good?"
Over the next few weeks, I will become a published author for the first time. My children's book, thanks to Sarah Thomas at EduMatch, "One Drop of Kindness", will become a reality. I'm hoping that this will change the life of one or more students, teachers, parents, and leaders in how "Kindness" is looked upon and shared. My intent is to make a positive impact on YOU, so that we may find a kinder way to look at each and every individual and situation. I hope you can join the ripple effect with me.
If you didn't choose a #OneWord for whatever reason, that is all good too. Perhaps though, you can take a moment to reflect on how your calendar year is going. Are you on the path toward your goals? Are your intentions positive? Who is helping to keep you in check and accountable? Where might you need a tweak or two? Just some thoughts...
It is important for all of us to have a tribe, a circle, a crew, group, peeps, or whatever you may call it. We all need support, love, challenges, and hope. But at the same time, we need to reflect and grow. Let me know if I can help YOU! Not only is it my #OneWord, but it is my intent to make others better.
Monday, March 11, 2019
It's Not Too Late
Not only is it crazy that March is upon us, it's an amazing opportunity for us take a selfie of where we are in our practice, our craft, our passion and WHY.
If you are a teacher, this is the time of year to really bring it. I posted a video yesterday on YouTube about some things to think about, but also wanted to stress a few thoughts more clearly.
We all know those students that by this time of year are really rocking it; mastered the standards, into the next grade concepts, thriving academically and socially. Well, what do we do with them now? Let's ask them! Yes, the students. Give them the power of voice, choice, drive and direction. These students need to feel like leaders. Keep them engaged by letting them sit in the driver's seat and take off!
There are so many cool things they could be doing right now: Ambassador of technology for the class or school, Class Blogger, FlipGrid Director, Code Master, Chess teacher, or whatever THEY believe they can do. Of course we want them to thrive, push the thinking, and stay motivated, but with only 2-3 months of school left, give them some room to really shoot for the moon!
What about the children that are still so far behind? How do we address his/her needs too? This, my friends is why we have colleagues! Reach out. What is your intervention plan? Are you integrating small group and/or 1:1 instruction daily? Are you sharing groups with your neighbor, or buddy teacher? Is your instruction intense, relevant and tailored to each child's gaps?
It's Not Too Late! We can still do this! Are you a bell to bell teacher? Or, do you let things all go on Fridays? Does each student get what they need and deserve? Have you done an interest inventory lately for each child? If not, you need to. Kids needs and interests change like ours do. Find a way to capture that firefly of a spark, so we don't lose them.
Think of it this way. If your own child was in a class, and was not being challenged, pushed, intervened, or loved; what would you do? Think about it. The child that throws the books, yells, has a hard time getting along with others. Call the Principal? Send them out?
Or...do you talk to them. Call home. Visit them outside of the "School Zone?". Whatever it is, don't just bail on them now. They need you more than ever! This is your chosen passion my friends - show yourself and others that YOU are the most empathic, kind, loving and dedicated educator ever!
It's not too late - for you to focus on self care. Balance your life. Take 5 minutes at lunch for YOU. Close your eyes, breath and relax. You need to be a newly built locomotive ready to pull the load everyday, so, yes, I give you permission to focus on your OWN health too! Please. We need you!
It's not too late. That final bell of the year is still 8-12 weeks away. When it rings, will you shout to the heavens "YES!" "I did everything I could for every child!". Or, will you take the route of "Darn it, I shoulda, coulda...next year I will?" No. You won't. Because you are an educator. You are a selfless servant focused on every, single child. Good, crazy, wild, mellow, troubled, kind, or unregulated. We love them all.
So, I ask you this my friends: "Is it too late?" Or are you willing to go out now and reach every student, teacher, staff member, and parent to find a unique way to truly "Bring it" for the end of the year?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU #TeachBetter
If you are a teacher, this is the time of year to really bring it. I posted a video yesterday on YouTube about some things to think about, but also wanted to stress a few thoughts more clearly.
We all know those students that by this time of year are really rocking it; mastered the standards, into the next grade concepts, thriving academically and socially. Well, what do we do with them now? Let's ask them! Yes, the students. Give them the power of voice, choice, drive and direction. These students need to feel like leaders. Keep them engaged by letting them sit in the driver's seat and take off!
There are so many cool things they could be doing right now: Ambassador of technology for the class or school, Class Blogger, FlipGrid Director, Code Master, Chess teacher, or whatever THEY believe they can do. Of course we want them to thrive, push the thinking, and stay motivated, but with only 2-3 months of school left, give them some room to really shoot for the moon!
What about the children that are still so far behind? How do we address his/her needs too? This, my friends is why we have colleagues! Reach out. What is your intervention plan? Are you integrating small group and/or 1:1 instruction daily? Are you sharing groups with your neighbor, or buddy teacher? Is your instruction intense, relevant and tailored to each child's gaps?
It's Not Too Late! We can still do this! Are you a bell to bell teacher? Or, do you let things all go on Fridays? Does each student get what they need and deserve? Have you done an interest inventory lately for each child? If not, you need to. Kids needs and interests change like ours do. Find a way to capture that firefly of a spark, so we don't lose them.
Think of it this way. If your own child was in a class, and was not being challenged, pushed, intervened, or loved; what would you do? Think about it. The child that throws the books, yells, has a hard time getting along with others. Call the Principal? Send them out?
Or...do you talk to them. Call home. Visit them outside of the "School Zone?". Whatever it is, don't just bail on them now. They need you more than ever! This is your chosen passion my friends - show yourself and others that YOU are the most empathic, kind, loving and dedicated educator ever!
It's not too late - for you to focus on self care. Balance your life. Take 5 minutes at lunch for YOU. Close your eyes, breath and relax. You need to be a newly built locomotive ready to pull the load everyday, so, yes, I give you permission to focus on your OWN health too! Please. We need you!
It's not too late. That final bell of the year is still 8-12 weeks away. When it rings, will you shout to the heavens "YES!" "I did everything I could for every child!". Or, will you take the route of "Darn it, I shoulda, coulda...next year I will?" No. You won't. Because you are an educator. You are a selfless servant focused on every, single child. Good, crazy, wild, mellow, troubled, kind, or unregulated. We love them all.
So, I ask you this my friends: "Is it too late?" Or are you willing to go out now and reach every student, teacher, staff member, and parent to find a unique way to truly "Bring it" for the end of the year?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU #TeachBetter
Monday, March 4, 2019
How You Doing?
Most of us remember Joey Tribbiani from the television show "Friends". Those that don't can just find the reruns on Netflix and will soon be able to relate to him with me. One of his most famous taglines was "How you doin?" in a very "I wanna pick you up" voice and tone to the ladies.Well, although his technique was interesting, I like his line, because in today's schools, with what we have going on, I believe this isn't said enough.
"How are you?, How you doing? Are you alright? Can I help support you?" These are what we should be asking our students, teachers, admin, community members and anyone else we care about on a daily basis.
Our mental health, well-being, balance, and mindset are so critical in our ever-so important work. You hear all the time, "Yes, I do need to balance my time", and " I know, I work too much". But how often do we get eye to eye, check in, listen and really care about how someone is doing?
Educators not only work hard, but work long hours. We wear different hats. We attend meetings, events, PD, trainings and other time evaporators.
Needless to say, we all go home to our "other" lives, which, in some cases, can be even more of a stressor.
Time is something that we all manage quite differently as well. Some manage it well, others don't. BUT, the big but (not bootay), is that there is ALWAYS time (5 min here or there) for a quick breathing session, timeout, walk, close door and shut eyes, meditation, etc. You can't deny it. It is there. Look for it. Calendar it in. Make it happen. You deserve it (right Adam Welcome?).
Life is short. Balance is critical.
If someone cares enough to check in on you. Take it seriously enough to reflect and do a quick mind map of your physiology and frame of mind. It would be nice to have you around for longer, as you are vitally important to many people, animals and things.
I guarantee it.
So, "How you doing?"
Please take a moment to just ask.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
It happened...
OK. It happened today.
The day started with a doldrumness feeling. I was tired. I was stressed. I was feeling lonely and unsure.
My dad has Alzheimers and Parkinsons - what a combo...:(
Mom called today..."Jeff, there's an open room at the memory care facility." Boom! Damn! Really?
My sister, Mom and I had been expecting this for over a month, but when you hear, " You are first on the list," it kind of makes you cringe. Knowing that for an opening in a nursing home means that someone else has died? Umm, not my comfort zone.
Pops has gone downhill fast. My family moved back from Vancouver, WA in Spring of '17, as we knew he was declining quickly.
Damn.
My pops.
I know it wasn't the best time ever growing up, but he's pops. My dad. My father. My pappy. The 'Ol man, etc.
He was there. He worked hard. He brought us to Hawaii every year since I was 5 - probs about 35 trips my friends. Yes, he worked 7 days per week. Ignoring things that may have been perceived more important.
Speaking to dad on Sunday, February 24, 2019 ( after his donut from Fluffy's -Brian Briggs you down?) (shaved and showered him next) - we then had quite a few laughs, cries, hmm's and questions.
My big Q was " Dad, why did you work 7 days per week when I was growing up?" His response was beautiful: "Jeff, I never felt confident in what I did as a dad. Working gave me confidence, because I was good at it."
Wow. My dad gave me about 40 trips to Hawaii. Camping. National Parks. Baseball. Swimming. Surfing. Scuba. Whatever Marian and I needed.
Now- What was left? A few memories? Stories of Frozen Custard from Milwaukee? Some laughs? A model of the USS Arizona that we built in 1975?
No. Pops is not just a shell. He is here. He is now. He is present. He is my dad of 53 + years and every time I see him, he is me. My life. My family. My pops.
I love you Pops.
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