To help encourage conversations and dialogue about Teacher Appreciation Week, our topic/question for the dinner table is: What do you appreciate most about the teachers in your life? Appreciating Our Teachers (This is an anonymous Google Form)
As we closed out the month of April, I hope that this past weekend was a restful and relaxing one for all. We had the good fortune of heading out to the Berkshires Friday afternoon for a 'family work weekend' - clearing out the blueberry lots and doing some much needed pruning! After spending some nice time with cousins and family, we headed back early Sunday morning for the kids' sports and other commitments that were waiting for us.
Returning from vacation, it felt as though the pace Monday morning immediately went from 0 to 90 miles per hour. Finding an even pace is a personal challenge for me and I welcomed the opportunity to take my foot off the proverbial accelerator the past two days. In an effort to practice what I often preach (but rarely follow), I have done my best this weekend to 'unplug' and simply take time to be present with family. Katie willingly did the driving, giving me some time to take a nap and simply rest, and I found the time outside to be a great time to simply be and reflect. Carrying this forward I am keeping it brief (uncharacteristic and a challenge for me, I know!) and simply sharing one post below that encourages educators and leaders to practice reflection...
Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It)
by Jennifer Porter in Harvard Business Review
This brief post outlines some of the reasons why individuals (not just leaders) choose not to reflect (Don't like the process; Don't like the results; Have a bias towards action; Can't see a good ROI), as well as some steps to become more reflective (Identify some important questions; Select a reflection process that matches your preferences; Schedule time; Start small; Do it; Ask for help).
The hardest leaders to coach are those who won’t reflect — particularly leaders who won’t reflect on themselves.
At its simplest, reflection is about careful thought. But the kind of reflection that is really valuable to leaders is more nuanced than that. The most useful reflection involves the conscious consideration and analysis of beliefs and actions for the purpose of learning. Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions. For leaders, this “meaning making” is crucial to their ongoing growth and development.
Despite the challenges to reflection, the impact is clear. As Peter Drucker said: “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection, will come even more effective action.”
This week marks Teacher Appreciation Week and I am truly thankful for and fully appreciate the efforts of the staff at Blake Middle School. I hope that everyone finds time to appreciate each other and recognize what each individual brings to establish the special environment and culture that we have for our students, our staff, our parents, our community, and one another. And, if you will allow me to offer some free advice - take some necessary time to self-reflect - it's worth the time!
I look forward to the work that lies ahead for all of us.
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Take care.
Nat