September is all about faces— familiar and new— and figuring out, once again, how we fit together into the newish world we’re creating in our schools and classrooms. Â
As we kick off this year’s celebration of 40 years of the Critical Skills Classroom with this episode of The Seedfield (a great conversation with Antioch’s own Jasper Nighthawk about the history and future of the Critical Skills approach), I’m reminded of all the folks- many unknown to me- who laid the foundation for our work today. I feel privileged to announce that, in the coming months, we’ll be sharing new tools, whitepapers, and interviews with the members of the Critical Schools community.
Also, as I mark my 25th year at Antioch, I can’t help but think about the people who have been part of that journey.
Students, colleagues, families, leaders…there are so many faces that come to mind. Some are present in my day-to-day, and others are the voices in my head that guide my decisions and push my thinking. Some were dear friends and others…well, they challenged me to find new ways to understand the world and my place in it.
Every one of them has made me into the teacher— the person— that I am today.
These begin-agains, they’re always a new adventure. Setting up new versions of familiar routines, building new connections, and reestablishing familiar relationships. No matter how often you’ve done it, it’s always all about the people (including you! Yes, you count. You’re a people too!)
Creating classroom community is important, of course, but we also have to remember that having positive relationships with colleagues can make all the difference in how the year goes. When it comes down to it, after all, our lives are made up of the people in them.
This month, I’m sharing a few resources to help you think about the whys and hows of building and maintaining professional relationships— getting from strangers, to acquaintances, to trusted colleagues.
As with most things, it’s always a good idea to start with a bit of reflection, so why not take a moment to think about the folks who made you?
- What did they teach you?Â
- How do you aspire to be like them?Â
- Why were they important to you?Â
- What if you’d never crossed paths with them?
Finally, I hope you know how much it means to me that you’ve been part of my journey- for a decade, a term, or even a moment. I am who I am because of you, and for that? I can’t thank you enough.
Best-
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