Looking for the Positives in a Sea of Difficulties--and Sharing Them

These days, it feels like all we hear and think about are the struggles happening around us. Throw into the mix all the uncertainties and conflicting opinions about schooling--if kids should be learning 100% in person, remotely or a mix of the two, how we address the inequities that this virus has intensified and how we tackle the learning gaps--and you've got yourself a recipe for stress, negativity and depression on a scale many haven't experienced in their lifetime. Needless to say, it can be quite a challenge to pull yourself out of that mindset when you're in a constant state of worry.

So I think it’s pretty safe to say we all need a shot of positivity right about now! Even amidst all the chaos, there are still many things we can celebrate:

• As classroom teachers, you should be proud of yourself for learning new ways to teach your students! Change is hard; change during COVID is even harder.
• Hopefully as a team, you have reflected on your teaching and leading experiences during COVID and have identified what works and what doesn’t. Take that one step further: you plan to incorporate the successes into your practices moving forward. These are wins for your schools and your students!
• Parents and whole communities are truly recognizing (and appreciating) the importance of public education and just how much teachers do for their students every. single. day. Don't ever forget: you are a HERO.
• Piggybacking off the last bullet, we are witnessing so many individuals and community businesses stepping up to support their local schools in ways we haven’t     seen before. The African proverb “It takes a village” is happening right before our eyes.

As you reflect on these times and how your school has risen to the challenge, don’t forget to share your successes--no matter how small you may think they are. School leadership, classroom teachers, parents, community supporters and business partners all want to hear some good news. And make no mistake: every school in our state has some GREAT news to shout about. What is yours?