We Are Family..... Truly: A Poem on the Importance of Relationships

We are FAMILY

This is more than a song,
it is an ideal that is spread
through
         buildings
               classrooms
                         and groups.

Yet its meaning is varied.

It could be a blood tie,
one that connects us like a string
and unites us through the storms this life may bring.

It could be a friendship,
one that may not be tied by a bloodline,
yet is much stronger.
There is a connection and understanding that is unbreakable.

It could be a classroom or a school community,
one where we are all in this together.
If one hurts, we all hurt.
If one succeeds, we all succeed.

Once this ideal is defined...

What is done with it?

How do we nurture the "families" around us?

How can we spread the love and positivity so needed in this world?
The kind that comes from a loving family.

SIMPLE....

Through a smile.
Through a hug.
Thought a "Are you ok?" or "If you need me I am here!"
Through laughing with them and crying with them.
Through the act of pushing other matters aside because
THEY MATTER!

It's more than being their
 mother,
      father,
         teacher,
               sister,
                  brother,
                       friend.

It's being
 loving,
     caring,
          kind,
            compassionate,
                     understanding

We are humans.
Humans need love and compassion.
Humans needs families.

Give Yourself Some Grace

Grace has many definitions. The definitions that intrigue me the most are "A virtue coming from God" and "Mercy, pardon"

This year is the year of

"Courageous" for me. I never knew how true that word would be until that first week in January when I received an unexpected surprise. My family of four is going to become a family of five in August. While we are so happy for this little one to join us, its arrival brought some challenges on my physically and emotionally. I lost a good portion of my energy and simply struggled keeping up with all of my daily tasks and hobbies. If I were to refer to one of my earlier blog posts, some additional noodles had to fall from the strainer.

This fact was very hard on me at first, for it meant I had to momentarily step away from my Twitter and Voxer families. It meant that I had to leave these blog posts empty for months.It meant that I had to leave my podcast, and vlog behind for a bit. This made me feel as though I was failing for I have worked so hard in the past year to build these networks and these connections and thoroughly enjoyed the creativity involved in the process.

Yet, in a Voxer book study for Zen Teacher Sanctuaries, I realized I was giving myself exactly the care that I needed at that time. My body had changed and I needed to adjust to that fact. This meant that I had to take 20 minute naps during prep and go to bed earlier that I was used to. In reflection, I realized that what I needed to give myself was a little grace, a little "mercy, pardon." I wasn't matching my pre-pregnancy speed, I was doing my best with my new body and its speed.

"God specializes in giving people a fresh start."- Rick Warren

Once I was past the dreaded first trimester and began to regain my energy, I reflected on entire process and decided it was God's message to me. I needed to refocus and slow down a bit. I think that we all get those messages and reminders to take a step back and slow down.

The world moves too fast and there are times that we cannot help but get caught up in its hustle and bustle. It is when we are not matching the speed of the chaos around us, that we begin to find fault in us. We feel we must not be good enough because we cannot keep up with the pace of life.

Yet, it is in these times that we must remember why we are on this journey of life. God gave us all these gifts to enjoy each and every one. We cannot possibly enjoy them if we are bogged down in what we cannot do each day.

We simply have to step back, slow down, and give ourselves a little grace.

One Word 2019: A Look From Shine to Courageous

From the Year of Shine: 

In 2018, I chose the word Shine. Looking back at the blog post that I wrote a year ago was truly eye opening for it provided documentation of my growth since 2017. In 2017, I used the word  Push  to step out of my comfort zone. I became more active on Twitter and vowed to say "Yes" to as many opportunities as possible.

 In 2018, I had the following goals for my word Shine: 

* I want to "shine" a light on my classroom not to show off what I do for my students, but to highlight what amazing things my students can do!

I started this blog in the year of Push. In that year (2017,) I wrote 6 posts. My main reason for the blog for me at that time was to push myself by doing something new and getting my voice out there. In the year of Shine, this post makes number 19! My goal for the blog changed in that I wanted to use it as an opportunity to shine light on the amazing things that my students were accomplishing in my classroom, as well as my honest reflections on education.

I wouldn't have been able to take these leaps without my PLN. In January I joined 2 Voxer book studies. I did this kind of on a whim after seeing the posts on Twitter. Both of these studies were extremely impactful in my year. The Zen Teacher group allowed me to push that walkie talkie button for the first time and to be vulnerable.

The 4OCF group was a high paced group of excited educators. The book study pushed my thinking to new heights and when the study ended the group decided to stay together. This group, this 4OCFPLN, are more than simply educators that I talk to on a daily basis. They have become my friends that help me through trials in and out of the classroom. It was in this group that Jamie Leach (@LeachTeach) put forth the blogging challenge. This would mean my original goal of one post a month would be doubled. This was nerve wrecking for me, yet I knew that I had this power bunch behind me. I shared every post I published with my group! Their support means everything!

Michael Matera (@Mrmatera) and Carrie Baughcum (@HeckAwesome) were also very instrumental in helping me Shine this year. In one of my attempts in Michael's #Five4Five challenges, I started my #EduCreativity Podcast. I have loved this opportunity to be creative and put myself out there.

After the #USMSPARK conference this year, I was inspired by Micheal's words of intentionality and youtube channels of him and Carrie and I decided to finally take the leap and start my own. Now while I have not posted on this as often as would like, I cannot wait for the chance to expand on this exciting medium!

* I want to avoid any darkness that may try to overcome my light. I completely realize that although some of this comes from others, a majority of it comes from the doubts I have placed on myself.

This has been the toughest Shine, for negativity is a sneaky thing. Due to the fact that I have little ones at home, I like to compare it to Swiper from Dora. He always comes out of nowhere whenever Dora and her friends have something valuable. Negativity worked in the same for me this year. Whenever I had an immense amount of positivity, he swept in and attempted to take it away. Yet, much like Dora, I had my edu-friends in my back pocket to help me yell "Swiper No Swiping"


* I want my light, my passion and enthusiasm, to spread. I want others to find their light and "shine" in their own way. There are many different ways to light the way for our students.

I have found a new passion this year. I love igniting that spark in a fellow teacher. Whether it is in my own building or by having the chance to speak at a conference. This year, I had the pleasure of speaking at 3 different conferences. While I can't say I wasn't nervous or was calm in the process, I can say that it was thrilling and I adored the experience. Seeing teachers become students and have the same light bulb moments as their students. It is truly amazing to be a part of!


Into the Year of Courageous:

This year I decided to choose an adjective rather than a verb. This year I choose to be Courageous.



In the Thanksgiving blog post that I wrote with the #4OCFPLN, I wrote about the cowardly lion and how it took the support around him to realize that he had the courage he needed all along. While I have come a long way from my invisible high school days, I feel that this year I need to focus on my inner courageous nature. Many think of a lion when they think of this word, yet courage can come from anyone or anywhere. Every character in every movie has a moment when they must harness their inner strength, a strength that can get them through the struggles ahead of them.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

― E.E. Cummings

* I want to be courageous in being me! I am not your standard anything and should not be afraid of that!

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.”

― Mark Twain

* Dreams can be scary, goals can be scary. I want to be courageous in pushing past that fear and reach for my dreams.

Dreams for writing... Goals for presenting (including ISTE 2019) All are very scary and very intimidating. I might reach and fail, yet if I let fear stop me, I will definitely fail!

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

- Winston Churchill

* I want to have a courageous heart for my students and my family. At times this may mean standing up for them and other times, it may simply mean to sit back and truly listen to their needs and wants.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

* I want a courageous faith in want I might not understand. I want to have a courageous trust in God for he will not leave or forsake me.

I want to thank all of you for your support on this journey!

I look forward to a year to Push through and Shine with a Courageous spirit.

Words of Wisdom from a Movie Classic

For me, this holiday time is all about the classics. From classic family customs, to classic desserts and dishes, to the classic movies. One of those film classics for me is Home Alone.
 There is the epic debate for some whether it is or is not a Christmas movie, yet that is something that I will not be getting into right now (It most definitely is!)

As I sat down this year and watched one of my favorite holiday classics, I not only laughed like a school girl at the classic scenes, but also noticed the incredible lessons that we can gain from this film which can be implemented in and out of the classroom.

In both Home Alone 1 and Home Alone 2, Kevin makes quick judgements on certain characters. In the first movie it is the "Shovel Man" who legend told killed his entire family with a shovel. He then has that touching moment with the same man in the church on Christmas Eve. He learns that the son of the "Shovel Man" has not spoken to him in quite some time. Kevin then shares advice with him and they create an understanding that helps them later in the movie when Kevin is running from the "Wet Bandits."

Then in the second film, it is the "Pigeon Lady" who was frightening on all accounts in New York City. After a classic Home Alone scream that occurs in their first encounter, Kevin later learns that this woman ran away from a very normal life because she was afraid of getting her heart broken for the second time. Much like in the first film, this character that he once thought was an adversary, was in fact an ally that helps him later on.

In our classrooms we have students that have built up a reputation much like the "Shovel Man" or have had a strong and negative first impression like that of the "Pigeon Lady." In his first interactions with these characters, Kevin believes and acts on the stereotype for his focus is on his own matters. It is not until he sits and has a conversation with them that he discovers the true person within. As teachers, we are truly stretched time wise. There is always something to do and simply not enough time to accomplish it all. Yet, if we take a moment to simply sit with the "Shovel Man" or "Pigeon Lady" in our classroom, it will make all the difference. For just like in the movie, both parties can reap the benefits from a simple understanding.

Silence is Golden... Sometimes

This last week, I had the amazing opportunity to once again go on a three day camping trip with my sixth graders to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This trip is three days and two nights of outdoor games, hiking, bonfires, cabin sleeping and amazing relationship building opportunities. This trip not only gets my students to see nature in a new way, but allows me to see them in a new way. It is really that relationship booster shot that is much needed at this time.

One of my favorite things we do on the first night is take a hike after dark. The naturalists at the park take this time to discuss rhodopsin, which allows your eyes to adjust to the dark. Many of the students are at first fearful of this experience yet by the end of it all, it is one of their favorite moments as well. In this night hike, our naturalist stressed to the students that they be silent to really soak in the experience that hiking in the dark can bring to them.

There was no push back...

There were no sneaky talkers...

There was only silence...

It was this silence that truly brought a new layer to that hike and that experience. There is even a solo hike portion, in which each student had to walk a section of the trail completely on their own. Though some were fearful, many took this as an opportunity to take a reflective and silent walk into the dark forest.

This got me thinking....

What purpose does silence have in our classrooms?
 To channel my good #4OCFPLN friend, Elizabeth Merce, "What is the 'Why' here?"

 Do we use silence in our classrooms to push reflection or push compliance?

Do we use silence to help students control their learning or help us control their learning?

How many times have we said "It's too loud in here!" or used some sort of sound meter to monitor the volume?

What if we worded this in a different way? What if instead we stress the "Why" behind the direction. The students on the hike did not go against the wishes of the naturalist because they understood what they were getting out of the silence. Do they know what they are getting out of the silence that is forced in the classroom? Do we know what they are getting out of it?

It is just amazing to me how a walk in complete silence can speak volumes in my classroom. I know that from now on I will look at the silence in my classroom with more purpose and I will be sure to share that purpose, that reason, that "why" with my students.

Thankful for All the Things- A Blog by the #4OCFPLN

Thankful for All the Things

A Blog Written by the #4OCFPLN

My one word focus for 2018 has been “SHINE” and when I chose that word, I could never imagine the journey that this year would take me on. I learned through these last 11 months what it truly takes for me to shine. There are some days that my light is easy to find and I simply project it at others and I am good to go. Yet there are other days that my light is underneath a thick layer of grime and muck, which is caused by stress and negativity. This is not the dirt you can simply wipe away but the kind that takes back breaking scrubbing.

This year has had its share of muck that has attempted to cloud the light I have to shine, yet I am so thankful that in January, I met an incredible group of people that continually help me clean the grime away. They do this by helping me find the courage within myself to combat all the dirt and muck that may come against me in life.

Many who know me know that I am a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan and the way that the 4OCFPLN has helped me through this year can compare to that of the Lion. The Lion lacked the courage to do much of anything and was even losing sleep because of his irrational fears. He then meets a group that soon become his friends and along their journey, he is given opportunities to show the strength and courage inside of him. When they finally reach the Wizard, the Lion realizes he does not need the courage from the Wizard, for his friends have helped him find it in himself.

While I may have not been afraid of everything, I would simply stand back and let some things go even if I knew in my heart they were not what was best. I would let negative words seep in and not do anything to redirect them.  I was managing yet not thriving until I found my group, my tribe, my edu-family. They helped me discover the power within me to roar at the negative words (in the politest way possible) and to stand up for what I know is best.

As we enter this month of thanks and the last 2 months of 2018, I am very thankful for my 4OCFPLN and for all my additional support on Twitter and Voxer. These people have truly shaped me in the last year and helped me become a better educator and a better person. I am also very thankful for this new found courage. It allows me to do what I know should be done in all aspects of my life. While it is not accepted 100% of the time, others have said they have noticed a change for the better in me. As I look forward to 2019, I am excited for the opportunities that this courage can open for me.

I also want to encourage all of you to find your group. Find those people that will allow you to uncover things within that you never knew were possible. If you are open, these changes can impact your life in the most amazing way.

Amy Storer, Instructional Coach, Montgomery, TX

“I am thankful for every moment.” Al Green

Every single moment that has occured in my life so far has led me to where I am today. Some of those moments were filled with love and laughter and some were blanketed in sadness and fear. But each turn taken and road followed has helped to mold me into the person that I have become today and who I will be in the future.  I am thankful for a mother that fought for her daughters to have everything that the world could give them and more. She sacrificed so much for us, and everything we do as educators today is because of her and for her. I am thankful for a dad, who found his way back to us. We are so glad that you did. I am thankful for grandparents and their love and endless amounts of cookies and candy! I am thankful for a sister who is truly my best friend. Thank you for giving me one of my greatest gifts, Nancy and Finn. They crawled right into my heart and filled in the hole that momma left when she passed away. I am so incredibly thankful for them. I am thankful for the love of my love, Tony. Thank you picking up the phone when I bravely called you in the fall of 1997. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and for loving me for over 20 years. Thank you to my campus family for loving and supporting me in everything that I do. I am so lucky to get to work alongside each of you! Thank to all of my former students. You truly schooled me on school. I learned all I needed to know from each of you, and I am a better educator and human being because of you.

Louie Soper, 5th Grade Teacher, Philadelphia, PA

I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach in the city of Philadelphia this school year.  Albeit some challenges, each day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Learning blocks can be challenging.  Days can be challenging. Weeks can be tough, but I am so so thankful for the relationships I have been able to build with many of my students.  From Fortnite dances to slime, the fun doesn’t end. I am so grateful for this group of students I have this year.  We are all walking side by side daily in our journeys together in becoming the best versions of ourselves we can be.  Lastly, I am so thankful for the regular reminders from the #4ocfpln for pointing out these daily opportunities for growth.

Kristi Daws, @kristi_daws, Technology Integration Specialist, Region 9 ESC

I am thankful for my journey. So thankful for the support of Bob Johnson who offered me an amazing opportunity to practice my love of music. I left for college a music major switching to math after two wonderful years thanks to Dr. Linda Fausnaugh. She awakened a Math Teacher inside me I did not know existed. After twenty, YES 20!!!, amazing years loving my career I stepped into the unknown and became a Digital Coach under the leadership of Brett Thomas. I was so fortunate to work alongside a leader who pushed, encouraged, challenged, and supported me daily. I followed this leader into my current position as the Region 9 ESC Technology Integration Specialist. I have learned so much in my first few months at R9 and I could not be happier. I don’t know where my journey will take me next, but I have faith that it will be an adventure. #Thankful

Rachelle Dene Poth, Spanish and STEAM Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA @Rdene915

www.Rdene915.com

I am thankful for all of the opportunities that each new day brings. Time to continue to build relationships, to connect with students and educators from around the world. For so many years, I was teaching in isolation and did not truly understand the value of being a connected educator and the importance of relationships. A tremendous mentor in law school helped me to see what it truly means to be an educator and the need to focus on the relationships first. His guidance has made such a difference in my personal life as well as my professional life and I will always be thankful for his ongoing support. There are often challenges that come each day, and sometimes it is the challenges we face as educators or it is something that our students are struggling with. We need to connect. As much as our students rely on us to care for and support them, we count on them to lift us up at times as well. Knowing that together we are creating a welcoming and supportive classroom, where students are comfortable asking for help and where they are willing to reach out and help others, is something that I am thankful for each day.

KathiSue Summers, Educational Mentor for 1st and 2nd year Teachers, Medford, OR

Do You Believe Relationships Are Important?

When I started teaching in 1986 in public education, I was a Lone Ranger. I was the only female teacher out of seven teachers in the small high school where I taught Business and Computers. I didn't think that being alone in the classroom  was uncommon in my educational career. Before coming to public education, I taught for several years in the private sector; there you were on an island.

What I learned quickly was that relationships with other educators and students was very important to me as a person; as well as a professional.  It was easy for me to develop relationships with students, but it was difficult when I was the only female on the high school staff. It was hard for me to relate to the male teachers on staff.

I made it a point to become part of the community my first year. I  developed many positive relationships and eventually, dear friendships that I still cherish after thirty-three years. There have been many times that a message, a visit or call have made my day. I am thankful that these individuals are in my life.

As years have passed, I have developed different relationships. I have relationships with professional people I never thought would be in my circle. I think about my Voxer group (#4OCFPLN), my Twitter #PLN and my local face-to-face PLN. These people have helped me to grow professionally.

Do I think relationships are important? Yes, Yes, Yes! And, I am thankful for all the relationships I have made along my journal.

Heather Young, Kindergarten teacher, Seattle, WA

@msyoung114

I’m thankful for my students, who come to school with wide eyes every day, willing to dive into whatever we are going to learn.

I’m thankful for the families, who trust everyday to grow their children as learners and humans.

I’m thankful for my in-building colleagues, always willing to give perspective when my thoughts might be off track.

Lastly, I’m so thankful for my PLN, a crew of professionals from across the US.  In close to a year, they have pushed my practice to new heights I never imagined reaching.

This list is full of people who believe in me, they are the foundation, the motivation and the joy in my life.  I am so incredibly lucky.

Sarah Fromhold

Digital Learning Coach

McKinney, TX

@sew1080

fromholdsblog@wordpress.com

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”  ~African proverb

This quote sums up both my journey and my struggle, and I am grateful for both!  My personality is one that I prefer to work alone most of the time. Going through school, I preferred finishing projects on my own rather than working in a group.  Because of this, I usually turned in assignments early and had plenty of free time. However, looking back, I realize I was doing the bare minimum to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.  There was no motivation to dig deeper into a topic. I was good to simply get it done. It was hard for me to find people I trusted to work with because I honestly thought it was better for me to do it alone.

My family, friends, coworkers, and the #4OCFpln have changed my view on the importance of relying on others.  With two young daughters, a husband with odd work hours, and everything I aspire to do personally and professionally, I recognize I cannot do everything by myself (and that’s perfectly fine!).  My coworkers and my PLN are constantly available for my questions and to bounce ideas around. Without my tribe, I would still be moving along in life, but with them, I’m learning, growing, changing, and truly living my best life.

Don Sturm

Technology Integration Specialist

Morton, IL

@sturmdon

Thankfulness is something that is easy to take for granted. I am guilty of looking at situations and only focusing on those annoyances that get under my skin. This blog post idea came at a perfect time for me because I was getting stuck in the rut of not looking at the positives as much as I should. Honestly, I am thankful for those who are willing to make changes. I have learned that many teachers have a genuine fear of change and trying new things. It takes real bravery for some individuals to step out of their comfort zone and, as Tara Martin says, “Cannonball in!” My goal is to be more outwardly thankful to those who decide to throw caution to the wind and try something new for the sake of their students. These teachers and administrators need to realize that their willingness to conquer their fears sends a message to their students and staff that risk-taking is ok and necessary. Think about the domino effect of this risk taking. Relationships will be built, growth mindset thinking will become the norm, and an overall positive culture will emerge. All of this is needed for schools to be places of learning and inquiry.

Laura Steinbrink, HS English, Tech Integration, District Communications Director/Webmaster, Plato, MO @SteinbrinkLaura

www.rockntheboat.com

My life is busy. It seems like my family and I are always on the go, sometimes in separate directions, for at least two of the three sporting seasons during the school year. Yes, you read that correctly. I said sporting seasons because that is how my school year is divided in my mind. Besides the titles of my job that I listed above, I am also the assistant coach for our volleyball and softball teams, and this year my husband, the tech director for our district, became the head cross country coach. So for the beginning of the school year through this first weekend of November, we have juggled schedules for my volleyball practices and games, my husband’s cross country practices and meets, and our son’s junior high basketball practices and games. This alone is enough to overwhelm a family, but me? I’m thankful. I spent a lot of time with my volleyball team, making connections with those students, watching them struggle, succeed, persevere, break down, and get back up again. Did I miss my son’s games because my coaching duties? Just one. My district honored my desire to be a mom first and a coach second. Did my husband regret his choice to coach this year? He developed close relationships with his team as they struggled and pushed themselves to get up and down the hills around our school and in their personal lives. At our son’s games, we connected with families and students too. His teammates will be in my classroom in a few years, and when they walk through the door and become officially mine, I will already have a solid foundation for a relationship with them.

Did we still attend other school events during our whirlwind fall season? Yes. We supported as many students and staff as we possibly could. Did we make it to everything? No. But I am thankful for all the things we were able to do, relationships we forged or broadened, the impact we may have had on students, and the impact those same students most definitely have had on us. We may not always be able to do all of the things we want to do, but I am very grateful for all of the things we can do.

John Martinez, elementary school principal, Rowland Hts, CA @jmartinez727

http://betweenthejohns.com/

In 1963, my father Eduardo left his homeland to make a new life in America. At 31 years of age he arrived in New York leaving behind his wife Maria, four children, and all the people he knew.  When he arrived in New York he began the journey of finding work and earning enough to bring his family together. He didn’t speak English and did not have a trade. So he took whichever job he could find: work in kitchens, factories, and more. He worked two to three jobs at a time and left one job for another if it meant he could earn more or learn a marketable skill. In the meantime, my mom was caring for her children not knowing how the venture would unfold. In six months my dad had earned enough to bring the family from Colombia to the United States. Seemingly overnight, my family’s fortunes had changed. Opportunities and life trajectories for my siblings, for my parents, and for myself were transformed. My dad’s journey continued - finding different jobs, taking classes at night to learn English, and connecting with other immigrants for support. Then he did it all again. He packed his bags and traveled across the country to Los Angeles because he believed there were more opportunities out west. My mom continued to be the rock of our family in the way she supported my dad and nurtured her children. My dad found more jobs, continued learning English, and made new connections with others. Not long after, my mom and siblings made the cross country trip by railroad and began their new lives in Los Angeles. All of this happened before I came along in 1968. By then, the the tireless of efforts of my mom and dad had set the foundation for my family’s success. For the next twenty years, they continued building on that foundation. My dad worked as many jobs as needed. My mom got jobs as us kids grew a bit older and more comfortable in our surroundings. Throughout my childhood I saw countless examples of my parents’ dedication to their family. The way they faced and overcame adversity taught me to persevere. The way they modeled the the values of family, faith, and country taught me to be loyal and sustain my beliefs. I learned about teamwork, integrity, and courage from my parents.

I am thankful to my parents for emigrating to the USA. Who I am, where I am, what I am, and why I am would not be had my parents not had their their vision and their courage. I am thankful to America, the fertile soil where my family could boom.

Matthew Larson, PE teacher, Trenton, NJ, @mlarson_nj

I am thankful for one, all-encompassing thing...my support network. This network includes personal, professional, and pseudo-family supporters.

My professional support comes from my place of work. I am entering my fourth year teaching in an urban charter school and it has been quite the growing experience since day one. Since beginning there I have started and finished a degree in Ed Leadership and been on the hunt to move into administration to pursue and accomplish my vision of education. My colleagues and supervisors know of my search and aspirations and have been in my corner supporting my attempts every step of the way from writing references to covering my class when I have to miss time at school in order to interview. For them I am thankful!

My pseudo-family of support comes from my PLF, professional learning family. This group came together as strangers around a book study in January of 2018 and has since stayed together, met in real life, presented at conferences together, and truly become a support network both personally and professionally. Everyday we continuously push each other to explain and rationalize thinking, challenge long-held beliefs, and grow beyond what we thought we could accomplish. They have truly helped my journey through the daily conversations as I have to constantly verbalize my beliefs, values, and transformations regarding education, children, and working with adults. I can honestly attribute the nearness to my professional goals to this collective group. They are the individuals writing this blog collectively. For them I am thankful!

My personal family is a group I am indebted to and thankful for beyond words. I have twin 11-month old girls, a four year old son, my partner Jackie, two dogs, and three cats. Four years ago I left North Carolina to be with Jackie and Hayden as they moved back to New Jersey to be nearer Jackie’s family. Since then Jackie’s family and friends have been the safety net for us young parents as we tried to build careers and roots of our own in The Garden State. Without Jackie’s family and friends neither of us could being doing what we are doing. Without Jackie I could not do what I do. Every day I am out of the house by 6am and don’t return until 6pm. During that time she is either at home with 2-3 kids by herself or she has childcare taken care--something she personally puts together because I have no connections within 400 miles to help with our children. Jackie knows and understands my professional goals and supports me through every interview and through every let-down. For her I am thankful.

I am also thankful for you, the reader, for taking time to read our collective work of #thankful thoughts.

Maureen Hayes, K-6 Humanities Supervisor in Lawrence Township, NJ

@mhayes611 http://kidsfirst-passionateleadership.blogspot.com/

As we enter the month of reflection and gratitude, I am thankful for those who encourage and push me every day to be my best….teachers & staff, administrators, students & my PLN.

The teachers and staff members I have the privilege to work with each day continually expect my best as an instructional leader. My job is to support them as they plan for instruction and work to meet the needs of all students in our district. They hold me accountable for being a researcher and reader, and sharing the my knowledge with them.

I am fortunate to be a part of a district administrative them that is continually pushing the limits and asking “why not” when it comes to serving our students. Each of the building principals on our team are true PIRATE Principals, and my fellow instructional supervisor team is a supportive group of instructional rock stars, especially my elementary counterpart Kristin Burke (kburke4242) who is the peanut butter to my jelly, the carrots to my peas, the macaroni to my cheese…

I am continually reminded of my purpose as an educator, and that is the students I serve. Every decision I make needs to be in the best interest of the students in my district.

Finally, my PLN/PLF, the #4OCFpln has by far been the greatest influence on me as an educator and leader, thanks to the daily talks, monthly book studies, and ongoing push-back and support they provide me. Each day spent in conversation with them is the best PD I have ever had.

Kimberly Isham, K-5 Reading Specialist, Greenville TX   @Isham_Literacy

https://kimberlyisham.blogspot.com

This past spring, my mother spent 2 weeks in a Critical Care unit about an hour away from my home.  I am so grateful that we did not lose her. My parents have been some of my strongest supporters and most important critics.  They have modeled hospitality and generosity throughout their lives. Their example and encouragement has been a big part of making me the person I am today.

My husband is my biggest supporter, whether it be acting as my cheerleader when I take on a project I am not sure about, or letting me vent when I am frustrated with something at school.  He makes me laugh and lets me know in a million ways how much he loves me and our boys.

My children (biological and school) have challenged my thinking as I strive to give them the best of myself in helping them to be the best version of themselves.  

My co-workers have caused me to question what I know as I work within the box we know as the public school system.

 

My #4OCFpln has been a serendipitous group that not only gets me, but also pushes me to do more, learn more, and be more.

I am thankful that God has brought all these forces into my life to help me continue on this path of growth to be the person He created me to be.

Cathy Hink, Kindergarten Teacher & Technology Resource Teacher

Washington @mshinksclass   Website: cathyhink.com

I am thankful for relationships with…

the Trinity that gives all of life deep meaning and purpose empowers me with a strong faith, sense of hope and teaches me everyday what it means to love and be loved.

a daughter who has taught me the meaning of true love, courage and joy beyond measure.

Boo my loyal fur baby,  who provides soft cuddles, smiles and giggles everyday.

family that has nurtured and shaped my character.  For a mom that taught me unconditional love. For a father who taught me to work hard and be a problem solver.  For siblings that have taught me acceptance and taught me the fine art of negotiation and compromise. ; )

friends who have added  laughter, compassion, support as they accept me as I am and encourage, support and hold me accountable to be the best me I can be.

young students who remind me of the power and wisdom found in wonder and play and who daily model what it means to be resilient and trusting.

My #40CFPLN (a.k.a. My Tribe) who live out the honorable task of educating, loving and advocating for the children of this great nation.  Their courage, intelligence, dedication, and passion consistently inspire, strengthen and motivate me.

Elizabeth Merce- Kindergarten Teacher Virginia Beach, VA @EMercedLearning EMercedLearning.com

As I reflect on all the things I am thankful for I keep coming back to the people.  Each person I meet has changed me in some way, they have left a part of themselves with me.

I am thankful for my amazing husband and daughter who have given me the strength to try all the things.  The unconditional love they give me allows me to dream big dreams and chase them. I have been blessed with an amazing support at home.

I am thankful for all the educators that have touched my life as a child and as an adult.  I have learned so much from them. Sometimes it was just as an example of what not to do, but more often than not it was what teaching can be.

This year I also get to be thankful for my #4OCFpln.  I have found my people in this group. I have had more support and growth in the past year than in any time period in my life.  There are no words to adequately describe how this group of strangers have become my second family, my teaching home.

Mike Messner -- High School Teacher, Los Altos, CA

https://momentswithmike257577506.wordpress.com/

This year, my thanks goes out in many, many directions…

To my wife Nancy, who sustains and accompanies me on my life journey and my teaching journey, and who always reminds me what those journeys are really all about.

To my son Stephen, who calls me to reflect on the job I do as an educator, and who has unflagging faith in his old man.  Breakfast at Black Bear Diner this weekend, bucko.

To Snoopy, who is the single most loving creature with more than two legs that I have ever met or am ever likely to.  

To my closest companions at Los Altos High School, Seth Donnelly, Chris Phipps, and Katherine Orozco, who have seen me at my most distraught and exhausted, and still take the time to fellowship and collaborate with me.

To the teachers who touched me most deeply and influenced my practice most profoundly: Dave Squellati, Mark Shaull, Wynne Satterwhite, and Jerry Messner (save me a seat in heaven next to you, Dad).

To my students at Los Altos and at Skyline College for allowing me to try out new ways of teaching and who forgive me when they go awry -- and especially the members of Future Business Leaders of America for letting me take a fun and exciting ride as your adviser!

To the members of #4OCFPLN for their support, their exhortations, and their relentless drive to make our education system better; I cannot imagine where I would be as a teacher without this group of voices, and I can’t wait to see you all in person.

And to my Father in Heaven: Thank You for allowing me to shed burdens that might have destroyed me, for giving me a future that I think I understand, and the promise of an eternity in Your presence.

God bless us, every one.  Happy Turkey.

Debbie Holman, Science 8, AVID, Wellington, CO.

I have so much to be thankful for.   I truly feel as if I am blessed by all those who support,  encourage, and inspire me. I am thankful for my family that support me day in and day out and make sure that I am at my best.  I am thankful for my husband who deals with the frustrations that come with being the husband of an educator. He constantly supports all of my Endeavors and all of the things that I use our hard-earned money for to bring things into my classroom to support the Science Education of all my students. I am thankful to the young people that I am privileged to work with every day.  They push me to be better than I was the day before because they deserve the very best I have to give. I am thankful for my colleagues who understand the way I work and work with me as I am always challenging myself to try new things to make the instruction in my classroom new and better. I am thankful for my tribe, my professional learning network, or my professional learning family, The #4OCFPLN They encourage, inspire, and challenge my thinking on a daily basis. I am so empowered and inspired to be part of such an amazing, brilliant group of educators.  I'm also thankful for my two fluffy Great Pyrenees dogs, Bear and Taos. No matter the day I have, they always listen and are available for a good snuggle!