August is bittersweet, you know? Summer is still here, but we can see fall from where we’re standing, especially in New England where each warm day is more precious because summer is short-lived. Whether you tried to fill your summer intentionally with just the right mix of rest and excitement or you just took each day as it came, I hope you’re feeling rested, re-energized, and ready for the year to come.
Summer Travels
In June I traveled to Skywalker Ranch to take part in Edutopia‘s HQ week (my 12-year-old self would be so proud of me!), learning more about the work of that organization (keep your eyes open- they’ve got some awesome stuff coming up!) and offering the higher ed perspective.
Then I met up with alum and adjunct faculty member Rachel Walton at ISTE to present two sessions about the Critical Skills Classroom. We met so many great educators and learned a ton about, well, a ton. I hope you had the chance to see some new sights and make some new friends as well.
Here at AUNE, we’re wrapping up a summer term that found us navigating floods, unexpected location changes, and so many wonderful new faces and voices. We held classes in Keene, out on Glover’s Ledge, in Westminster, Vermont, and (of course) on Zoom and Sakai. We welcomed Jana Brooks into her new role in the Center for School Renewal and watched as progress began on our new building.
Looking ahead
Now I’m looking forward to a week away in Maine with my family, eating too much ice cream and enjoying the beach and a well-earned rest. When we return, we will be back to the busy world of the two-educator family and, like many of you, we’ll be wondering where the summer went.
As you head into your own version of back-to-school, I hope you’ll remember how much we appreciate the good work you do for the students, families, and communities you serve. Every day you embody what we call “Idealism with its sleeves rolled up,” and we want you to know that we’re here to help however we can.
Whether you’re looking to take a class, read something inspiring (let me know if you need something that’s behind a paywall- the library can help with that), or just need to chat, we can help. Feel free to give me a holler- I’m here to help with lesson design, course planning, and general problem-solving. We can connect by Zoom, email, phone, or text- whatever works best for you. Click here to set up an appointment.
No matter what the days ahead may bring for you, remember that over here at AUNE we’re thinking of you and hoping you have the best year ever.