Hope

This week, I wanted to write a bit about hope. In our profession, we often see things that give us pause. For me, during the pause, my brain trails off into a thought about hope. How do we inspire it? How is it lost? How does it fuel us? Though I may have some answers, I will not offer them. I will simply allude to the obvious, that hope is the force that fuels us all, but it is not the blueprint. It is a powerful force in education. I see it like the midi-clorians that make up ‘The Force’ in Star Wars. The more you have, the more powerful your potential. Like hope, it is intangible but real, potent but not able to be held in your hand. Unfortunately, just like in Star Wars, we can’t simply hope to beat Darth Vader. Hope is part of the motivation, but it is not a strategy. Our job as educators is to work with hope daily. Just as misery likes  company, hope loves an audience. As a parent, I learned early on that hope is not the plan, but the push. Not the physical push, but the mental. As a coach for many years for Cross Country and Track and Field, I often asked my student/athletes to go beyond what they had done before. I talked to them about how the hard work will pay off at championships. I would give them the ‘tough love’ that we cannot rely on hope because hope is not a strategy. This phrase is one that I have used countless times before. In schools, we cannot wait for test scores with fingers crossed to see if our students did well. We have to meticulously plan for their success and when it happens, it is not a surprise. We planned for it. To base our outcomes on hope alone would be ridiculous. We cannot sit back and wait for things to turn around on their own, and we can’t spend our days with crossed fingers expecting results. Hope without action is just wishing in disguise. We’re here to make real change, not wait for it. Our students deserve it. Our parents expect it. When we add proper planning and execution with hope, that is when the real magic happens in the classroom. Every lesson plan, discipline strategy, and classroom rule is a layer of action. Hope is what fuels our energy to take that action, but the structure we build with our plans is what holds it up. For educators, this means getting clear on your goals. You’ve got standards, you’ve got common formative assessments, you’ve got every acronym known to man. Choose the right strategies that will get your students from Point A to Point B. When you have meticulous planning, hope becomes part of the atmosphere. It’s real, and it’s what we’re doing every day. With hope, we all know there is a time limit associated. We never want our students to lose hope. I would not wish that on anyone. Therefore, begin taking steps to fuel a brighter future. The flickering flame of hope can be fanned into a bonfire with on-time planning. Just remember, no one ever won a battle, taught a classroom, or ran a school on hope alone. I hope you enjoy your weekend. With amazing weather, enjoy the outdoors but most of all, be restful! (cue Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata).

Until next time...

Book Reviews

This week I am entering into the world of books. As many of you know, I love reading. I plow through both reading and audio books relentlessly. I can’t get enough. Every now and again, I get into a book that makes me pause. That was the case with Erik Larson’s ‘The Demon of Unrest’. I read it on the advice of a colleague and was absolutely blown away. The narrative grabbed me and took me on a journey of intrigue in the months that preceded the Civil War. It was amazing to me to see the many parallels that exist in our society still today. It begs the question, are we advancing or retreating? As an educator, I couldn’t help but reflect on the relevance of history and how important it is to prepare the next generation with knowledge to face similar challenges. Throughout the book, the author discusses political division, social inequality, and the fast pace of technological change. This is truly no different than today. 

 I thought the most interesting part was how the author discussed the importance of the leader within: The moral and ethical conundrums that we all face navigating our own objectives. When faced with challenges, do we rise up to meet it, or do we wilt like a flower in the sun. The lesson of integrity is so important today. Certainly the greatest theme addresses change in the Southern States. No doubt, change was coming and the book details how different social groups and people responded to it. Some people avoided it like the measles, others faced it. Those that faced it and accepted change, in the end, were better off. Those that resisted change, were met with a difficult existence or much worse, sad end. This is so true with our personal lives, our work experiences, and society in general. By studying history, we can see that change, while difficult, can also lead to growth and innovation.

Then while reading the book, the emotions got involved and I was tangled up in the story. I kept asking Why? Why did that have to happen? Why…Why.WHY! It’s not like the outcome was a big surprise. I know the winners, but the stupidity of it all. I have traced my family tree and have found ancestors that have fought on both sides. Thankfully they survived so I could be here, but I still ask the questions. The answer to the Why is, I guess, stubbornness. More than a belief, more than economic realization, it boiled down to a way of life and an unwillingness to change. Just NUTS! It relates so much to the current social climate that it was truly scary. Not that we are on the verge of a North/South battle anytime soon, but just the idea of social unrest, underserved populations, the erosion of ethical and moral conduct, and the distrust of elected officials. It’s all in the book. 

I know, I know, I sound like a book ad. I really don’t write reviews of books because when I read them, they become mine. What I take from them, I get to keep. For this book however, I took away deep thought and strong emotions. I want people to read it and experience the same. For me, it was more than reading because I have to stop to digest. That in turn, started my thoughts and emotions, which prompted me to dive into it further. So, for this one, I say thank you to my colleague for encouraging me to read it. It was an absolutely riveting read. Next on the reading list is another from Erik Larson, “In the Garden of Beasts” and then one from Amor Towles, “A Gentleman in Moscow”. I’m sure I’ll have something to say about these as well. Stay tuned. This weekend's weather is perfect to pick up a book and read outside. Whatever you do, have an enjoyable time. 

Until next time...

Hyperbole

In our world, communication can be challenging. Sometimes we use hyperbole to drive a point home. I use it with my children all the time like, “I’ve told you a thousand times to take out the trash!”.  In education, the communication can be clear as mud. (See what I did there? Hyperbole strikes again!) Whether we’re teaching math, science, history, or any other subject, the way we communicate can make or break the classroom experience. 

While we might not realize it, hyperbole plays a starring role in the classroom. As you probably remember from your high school English class, hyperbole is an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally. It’s when we stretch the truth like we’re trying to make taffy at a summer fair. “This is the hardest test in the history of mankind.” Sound familiar? Yeah, we’re all guilty. And, spoiler alert, so are our students. Hyperbole is like the secret spice of language. A little dash here, a sprinkle there, and suddenly our sentences have more flair, more drama. It makes everything sound bigger, grander, and often, funnier than it actually is. Which is great, until someone believes it.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane. You’re in the classroom, explaining a concept you’ve gone over a thousand times. “This is the most important lesson you will ever learn,” you say, hyperbole oozing from every syllable. You’re hoping to stress the point, but somewhere in the back, little Johnny’s eyes widen with terror. The poor guy thinks that if he doesn’t nail this concept, his entire future will spiral into ruin. That’s when hyperbole jumps from being a helpful rhetorical device to a panic-inducing nightmare. Sure, we’ve all exaggerated to emphasize the importance of a lesson, a rule, or a procedure. And yes, there are times when that works. We have seen students sit up a little straighter, pay a bit more attention, and maybe even write something down in their notebooks. But the danger comes when hyperbole stops being a tool and starts being reality.

Teachers aren’t the only ones dabbling in hyperbole because we know our students are practically professional exaggerators. “This is the hardest homework ever,” they wail, as if you’ve assigned them the task of defining nuclear fusion. On the one hand, we can chuckle at their flair for the dramatic because let’s face it, we’ve all been there. But we also should know the danger of letting hyperbole run rampant. If students start believing their own exaggerated statements, they can fall into a trap of avoidance. If they think a task is impossibly difficult, they might give up before they even start. The point is, hyperbole in the classroom is a double-edged sword. It can capture attention, convey enthusiasm, and even inject a little humor into dry material. Telling students that something is “super important” or that it’ll “blow their minds” can pique curiosity. But we should also balance those moments with reality checks. Let students know that while something is important, it’s also achievable. At the end of the day, a little hyperbole is a lot like teaching itself: sometimes messy, sometimes funny, but always impactful. It’s part of the human experience, especially in the classroom, where emotions run high, and every day feels like an epic journey. Hyperbole can be a fantastic teaching tool when used sparingly and with intention. So, embrace the hyperbole, just don’t let it fool you (or your students) into thinking that every situation is life-or-death. After all, we know that teaching is the hardest job in the world (No hyperbole there, I swear). Have the best Fall Break ever. (cue Vacation - The Go-Go’s)

Until next time... 

Cognitive Dissonance

This week I was doing some research and writing about cognitive dissonance. I was intrigued by how it relates to teacher burnout, the topic I am currently writing about. I guess I have always been fascinated by how our brains work. The idea that one brain can work in conflict is incredible such as when our behaviors and beliefs do not agree. Such misalignment causes problems. To make the point, have you ever felt bad about the way you’ve behaved? I know I have. Perhaps you’ve experienced regrets over something you’ve said or done, feeling as though your actions didn’t quite reflect your true intentions or beliefs. These uncomfortable moments are classic examples of cognitive dissonance. It is the psychological discomfort that arises when a person’s behavior doesn’t align with their values, beliefs, or self-image. 

Imagine wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, but not taking steps to exercise. I lived this way for many years. Food was my comfort and exercise, not so much. I had intentions of staying fit and healthy, but my actions, along with my love of nachos, contradicted my intentions. Like most, I blamed it on time. Time wasn’t my issue. Television, late night snacks, cravings, overeating, and the fallacy of fatigue were my problems. I lived in cognitive dissonance and it was tiring. 

Teachers, like anyone else, experience the tension that comes from behaving in ways that don’t align with their personal or professional standards. For instance, consider the scenario where a teacher knows they have a stack of papers that need to be graded. Their students are counting on them to return these assignments with feedback the next day. The responsible thing to do would be to sit down after school and focus on grading. However, instead of tackling the most pressing task, the teacher might spend their time socializing with colleagues or engaging in other activities that take them away from their grading responsibilities. In this situation, the teacher’s behavior of putting off grading, is in direct conflict with their professional values of responsibility and commitment to their students. Later that night, as the clock ticks closer to midnight, the teacher begins to feel the weight of that ungraded stack of papers. Anxiety sets in, and sleep becomes difficult as the reality of unfinished work looms large. The teacher knows they should have used their time more wisely, and the dissonance between their actions and their professional standards becomes a source of stress and fatigue. The inner conflict of wanting to do what’s right but failing to follow through creates that familiar discomfort associated with cognitive dissonance. I see this cycle constantly in my household with my wife, who is a teacher, my children with their homework, and with my own work. The reality is, when we act this way, we are punishing ourselves.   

We all suffer from cognitive dissonance and the good news is that it can be fixed. The solution is within our grasp. As a matter of fact, you create your own simple solution: align your beliefs with your actions. When your actions are in harmony with your values, there’s no dissonance, and you can move through life with a greater sense of peace and integrity. For me it is going on my runs every morning and staying away from the nachos in the evening. Hopefully your challenges are easier than mine. Have a great weekend. (cue What a Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers)

Until next time... 

Connections to Our Collective Past

This past week I attended the USDA Grantee Gathering in Omaha, Nebraska. Though I had so much to do on site, as the representative of the school, I was mandated to attend. It was very interesting to see the multitude of people in attendance. There were individual schools, districts, and nonprofits that support schools, all ultimately centered around the idea of farm to school. I had an interesting time. Though I had challenges with my travel upon my return, which left me stranded in Denver airport for a night, I can still look upon the trip as favorable. The highlight was not what was happening within the conference, it was with a person I met. On the first morning, we were directed to sit at certain discussion tables. I found my table group, took a seat, and introduced myself. The woman sitting next to me introduced herself as Linda Moore, Founder of a Charter School in Washington D.C. When she started speaking, her accent did not fit with D.C., so I asked her. She proudly said that she was from Little Rock, Arkansas. At this point, I began to nerd out. You see, I traveled last summer to Little Rock to the PLC Conference with several teachers. In Little Rock is Central High School, one of my bucket list visits. You may be asking, why is Central High School a bucket list item? I taught for 9 years at Central High School in Fresno, and in my first year there, a Central High (Little Rock) Alumnus spoke to us at an Assembly. It was Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine. The first nine African-American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. His story was amazing and the perseverance these students showed captivated me. How could people be so cruel? I asked myself. Then my mind would immediately jump to, How could those students endure such harassment? We have all seen the pictures of racists 8 deep on each side of the school stairway and the National Guard vehicles trying to block them from entering the school. The 101st Airborne Division was sent to protect the students by President Eisenhower, but that was just to get them inside. There was no protection from the other students once inside. State Government versus the Federal and the students were in the middle. I walked those steps to the main doors of Central High and I couldn’t even imagine the emotions experienced by the nine students. They must have been terrified! As I continued talking to her about it, she told me that she knew Terrence and the Little Rock Nine, including Melba Patillo. Then she said Melba Patillo’s mother was her Godmother. I about fell out of my chair. I could continue, but I really should cut it short. She did continue telling me her story, because I kept asking. Truly inspiring! I have now added a family trip to D.C. on my bucket list, not for the Capitol buildings, Holocaust Museum, or the Smithsonian, but to introduce my family to Ms. Linda Moore, the 75 year old founder of a school for inner city youth. I have a date to sit for tea and visit her school. My conversation with her motivated me to be better than I am, to do more than I can, to listen when I can’t, and to see even though I may be obstructed. She was delightful and the highlight of my journey. In speaking with her I was humbled. After that morning, the challenges of my life seemed to not be so difficult. At the end of the second day, I saw her again as we were entering the elevator. She looked tired as many of us were at that point. She paid me the best compliment, “I’m 75 and this stuff makes me tired. I can’t put in these long days like you young folks!” I smiled. “Ms. Moore, it has been a very long time since someone has called me young. I thank you.” May you have a super weekend and enjoy the glorious weather.

Until next time...

Public Service Announcement

This week I lead with a public service announcement. Keep your cell phone charged. A charged phone is crucial for emergency roadside assistance. Imagine being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, a dead battery, or worse, in an unfamiliar area. In such moments, your phone becomes your lifeline. It's your connection to emergency services, towing companies, and loved ones who can offer help or reassurance. Rarely, do we find ourselves with no service anymore. Over the past few years, coverage has improved tremendously though there are still areas. I bring this up because this past Friday night, my eldest daughter was returning home from work next to Bass Lake. On her way she was in an accident. She rounded a corner on those windy roads around the lake and came upon several cows in the road. Not having an out to the left, a ravine, or to the right, the forest, she braced for impact as she stomped on the brakes. The impact was severe rendering her car immovable but she was fine (thank goodness for cars that have wonderful safety ratings). Her Toyota Rav4 was totaled. She was obviously shaken. Her first inclination was to get out of the car, since she was in the middle of the road on a curve at night. Smart. Then she attempted to call me. Dead phone battery. Most of the time in our lives, a dead phone battery is an inconvenience, in a time like that it is frightening. She was left to do it the old fashioned way: flag a car down. Not the best back up plan for a young female on a wilderness mountain road in the dark of night. Thankfully, a nice couple stopped but the story doesn’t end there. Instead of getting her charge cord out of her car so she could plug in and call me, she used the phone of the good Samaritan. When my phone rang, I looked like most people do, to see who it was calling. Since it was an unknown number to me, I DIDN’T ANSWER. Thank you, spam calls. She then called my son, who in turn, called me. My goodness, what a night. I am thankful that everyone was alright, except the cow. My daughter now has a backup battery in her rental car and in her purse. She knows, as do I, that without a charged phone, you're left vulnerable, unable to reach or be reached. Cell phones have become so commonplace in our society that we forget the importance of the device in our absolute time of need. Though I will never tell my daughter because she made the right call getting out of the car in the middle of the road.  Her charge cord was in the car and the key could still be turned to “accessory mode” so her phone could get power. In the panic stricken adrenaline rush of the aftermath, that thought was lost. So, the bottom line here is to make it a habit to keep your phone charged, especially before long drives. It's a small step that could make a big difference when you need it most. Have a tremendous weekend. (cue Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake - Better Days)

Until Next Time...

Believe in the Magical, Not Magic

At the heart of every school lies a certain kind of magic. One that isn’t spun from spells or enchantments but from the everyday moments of wonder and connection that make our work truly special. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the "magical" rather than the "magic" in our classrooms.

I believe in the magical, not magic. Forget wands and potions, I don’t need or want them because I am an educator. There is a kind of magic happening in our schools every day that doesn’t require any sorcery. It’s the everyday wonder of learning and teaching that turns ordinary moments into something truly special. Specifically, just take a moment to think about the little victories in your day with students. How about the moment when the light bulb truly goes on inside the head of the student as they finally grasp a concept. The sparkle in their eyes is magical. These aren’t the results of enchantments but rather the product of hard work, dedication, and the belief that extraordinary things can happen in the classroom. They happen because you meticulously plan for them. The trick is to stay motivated everyday and keep the magic alive. I think it starts with embracing the magical moments. It’s okay to high five a student, or just the air for that matter. Pump your fist at the small achievements and you will feel your energy rise. This will also help to build the connections with your students that will ultimately lead to more magical moments. The cycle can remain unbroken with your enthusiasm. It will breed excitement for learning. Most importantly, when the day is done, reflect. Talk to colleagues about the magical things we witness every day. By focusing on these moments, we can find inspiration in the familiar and celebrate the remarkable journey of learning. So, let us all believe in the magical, because we have witnessed it. The next time you experience it, give pause, smile, and perform a little champions dance. It is what inspires teaching. So dance like nobody's watching, and if they are, smile and wave. They just witnessed the magical.

Until next time...