You want a nana?

I am a creature of habit. Every morning for breakfast I have a protein shake and for the last six months it has been chai banana. Just a half of banana but every day, I always call out to Sunny since she is usually in the other room, "Sunny, you want a nana?" She comes running over and then as long as it's a thin slice, she's happy to enjoy this little treat. 

These rituals I find in every day small moments, even with my dog, make me so happy.

clever kids

 I teach in a middle school and my favorite of the three grades is eighth. But, no matter if it is sixth, seventh, or eighth, there are a few things that us middle school teachers say, on repeat, year after year.

Today, a friend and I were standing in the hall during passing period and I had called out to a group of boys about 20 feet away, "Hey, stop touching each other!"

After I said that, Rachel turned to me and asked, "There are just some things we never stop saying, aren't there," as two kids ran by and I called, "Walk, please!"

I looked back and we both laughed, adding that to the list.

Just then, a student from the first group of boys walked up, and said, "Hey, but I had consent."

Rachel and I looked at him, a little confused, and asked, "You had consent?"

This kid, we'll call him JT, replied, "Yeah, you said stop touching each other. I had consent. That's important, and I had it," he deadpanned.

Rachel I just burst into laughter. This kid is so clever and totally can deliver the jokes - we've both taught him and we have this kind of relationship - and it was just the funniest response I've ever heard to the stop-touching-each-other feedback.

Another day in middle school :-)

Oh, she'll let you know

I've had a hectic schedule the past two days, and my dog, and consequently, myself, are feeling the effects. My pup Sunny is a Micro Mini Golden Doodle and she's almost two, so she's got a ton of energy. In Chicago, it's been cold still, and the last two days I've had meetings after school, putting me home later than expected. What this means for Sunny is that she got quick walks from the downstairs neighbors and then a tired mama at home who tries to give her attention but is often lacking the energy to do so.

But Sunny is speaking to me.

Specifically, at midnight.

When she woke me up last night.

Trying to play with me.

In bed.

So today we will be going to the park and meeting her bff Zion for at least an hour of running. Hopefully more, depending on sunset. Will be our first time at our fave park since last fall... send good vibes that the sun stays out on a warm Chicago day!

Sunny is the black one :-)

What, no meat rose?

 Yesterday, I had an awesome lunch. I was thinking that it wouldn't be filling, but I had a leadership meeting after school and no problem, I was good to go until I got home for dinner. Here's what it consisted of:

There were cherry tomatoes with a balsamic glaze, ritz crackers, hard salami, and this fresh mozzarella that was marinating in olive oil with a bunch of spices. (All this from Trader Joe's!) Only thing missing was some bread, but my stepmom and I had finished it all the night before.

Because it was so good, I posted the above pic in my Instagram stories (naturally). My sister, who had visited me in December thinks she's soooo clever with her reply that I didn't have a meat rose.

Are you familiar with this? I tried over Christmas to make one but I didn't not do enough research and it didn't turn out so well.

Pro tip: buy your meats for this project at the deli as regular cold cut size, the little ones just didn't do it.

But Emily, your joke, 10/10.

I could cry

Thinking back to losing my stepdad to covid last August,

I could cry.

Remembering how Andrea hugged me every day for three months after, 

I could cry.

Getting the news that I had some complex oral surgery to schedule,

I could cry.

Having friends and my stepmonster give up their time to take me to said appointments,

I could cry.

Hearing that one of my exes who I cared for immensely passed away,

I could cry.

Thinking of how I showed up to say a goodbye and encountered great people and a few beautiful friends,

I could cry.

Knowing that so many of my friends are struggling with complex life situations,

I could cry.

Seeing how we all come together to support one another when needed at school,

I could cry.

Wondering about how one of our students is doing health-wise,

I could cry

Watching my colleagues encompass the block around our school and his home in yellow ribbons,

I could cry.

Reflecting on all this with my principal a few days ago....

We did.

 

Teacher Appreciation Week 2021

I had this hope that each day this week on facebook I was going to send some notes of appreciation but then I.... didn't, ha. But, I have been thinking about all the people I wanted to appreciate this week and so I thought I should compose this before time slipped away again!

To recap from Monday, when I did write an appreciation, the first one I sent out was to LeeAnn, a friend from my first year of teaching. That year, I was so lucky to cross paths with LeeAnn, she was on my team! She was passionate then about technology (and as you can see, she still is today!) I remember that I got my first Mac at Creighton and learned about digital video cameras (this was 2003, people) and all things tech from LeeAnn. She inspired me with gaggle net (I think it was a kid friendly search engine?) and I was quickly learning about digital pictures and videos and iMovie and blogging too! I can’t imagine a teaching life without technology and LeeAnn, you led me in that direction with love, patience, and constant reflection. That and showing me how to teach with firm, yet loving classroom management. Thank you for inspiring me and happy teacher appreciation week, friend!

A few years after that, I had two amazing teachers at Arizona State for grad school - Charlotte and Susanna. Their class was Reading Assessment, and it was the two of them and their curriculum that changed my whole philosophy of education. Prior to knowing these two beautiful people, I was very behaviorist in my approach with kids. But, with their knowledge I realized how much better a social constructivist perspective is as far as learning for students go. They introduced me to Lucy Calkins and Nancy Atwell. Kelly Gallagher and Ralph Fletcher. And of course Yetta Goodman and Louise Rosenblatt. Their impact will be felt for years to come, and I can't imagine where I'd be without them!

And next, Christine Jantz - girl, you taught me so much about literacy. You helped me turn theory into practice! Thank you for for all of your knowledge in reading and writing that you generously offered me (anecdotal notes...hello authentic data collection!), and also, the ear when I was just learning about how to be a coach. I'm so glad we had those few years together when we shared an office. It was really some of the best moments spending them together with you!

Emerson teachers, a note of thanks to you as well. Working with you gave me a tiny insight into all the things elementary teachers do so well, especially your knowledge about differentiation. You all had one of the biggest impacts on my instruction; I learned how to do conferring best from all of you! Thank you for all you do for your students, and super big hug from me for being so impactful on my view of highly effective instruction.

Leah and Amy, I offer an appreciation to you two next. You were there for me as I transitioned from the classroom to the coaching role. Still to this day, we learn together, problem solve together, and lean on one another. I have learned so much from you working at your side on various projects, and I'm just really excited about what will come next. Thank you for all you do for the teachers in our district, and especially for me!

Heritage teachers, major props for all your work on one of the strangest years ever. Without skipping a beat, you changed the whole format of teaching and made it remote, and then hybrid. You took the already amazing work we have been doing the past few years and found ways to innovate it on zoom and then on zoom *and with kids in front of you. Thank you for talking lessons through with me (you know I love those learning progressions!) and showing up for me when I needed you. And making me laugh on the daily. There's not another school I think I could feel more home at, and it's not lost on me that it's the people that make you feel that way. Love you guys!

Wouldn't be my blog without a nod to an educator I'm learning from via PD books, and this year, it's Elena Aguilar. Thank you for all the work you do to teach and inspire coaches. Your book, Coaching for Equity, is one of the best books I've read in a few years. Thank you for sharing the ways you have coached others around implicit bias and racism. As teachers, we are lucky to serve others in ways that can leave a lasting impact on others, and I so value the work you've done and then shared with us. I'm on the path, and looking forward to learning more about this important work in the months and years to come.

Finally, Allison and Michelle, my principals who are teachers at heart. I want to send a note of gratitude for the way you taught me through your leadership. From you I learned that sharing leadership is such an effective method for building collective efficacy. You've taught me how to lead groups and you've constantly modeled a calm and loving demeanor to all of us here at HMS, and these are lessons I carry with me day-to-day. This year, thank you for all of the little notes and the staff check-in surveys, and the treats in our mailboxes. (The "pooped" emoji pen right before thanksgiving is still my fave!) I love HMS and that is in large part to the way you lead our Ohana each and every day!

Honestly, I could go on and on about teachers near and far who make a difference every day, thank you for the work you do to make our world a better place, one lesson, one conversation, and one day at a time!

Who are you thankful for? Send them a note and let them know!

letters

Dear teachers,

I know there is just too much right now. Remote teaching is a lot. We are mourning the loss of children before us and some of us are even teaching to blank screens on zoom. There's grading and lesson planning and report cards and paperwork and it's all online and it is a lot. As an instructional coach, you have my commitment that I'm reconsidering what it means to coach a time like this. I'm here to listen, I'm here with snacks, I'm here to cheer you on or offer a joke if you need it, and I'm here to troubleshoot zoom or plan a lesson or problem solve. Or, we can scream into pillows. Just let me know what support for you looks like at this time and I'll deliver.

Love, your friend

Dear ELA Teams,

Thank you for your thoughtful reflections this week around our norms and the Clear is Kind article. I know it's hard to be super transparent and direct, and I appreciate your openness to the ideas. Like yoga and meditation, I believe vulnerability is a practice, and the more we engage with it, the easier it becomes, so cheers to your open hearts and minds as we co-create teams that keep student learning at the heart of all we do.

Love, Brezek

Dear LO,

Thank you for sharing the closing remarks from Lucy Calkins and the call to action to show up for one another and spread kindness. It's because of you I did so, and it filled my heart with such warmth to pass along something to someone else.

Love, Michelle

Dear Holls, Nicki, and Sierra,

Thanks for a super fun weekend hiking and adventures at Carol's place. And for letting me bring Sunny and loving her just the same as me, and for the birthday celebrations. Let's not wait three years to do that again!

Love, Shel

Dear Sunny,

Thank you for being a good dog and not running away from the horseback riding session when you were following along off leash and I was separated from you. If you had chased a squirrel or bunny away, heartbroken would be not near enough way to describe the loss I would have felt. I'm so happy you're such a good listener!

ily SBS!
Love, Mama

Dear Brené Brown,

Thank you for the way you coach us on leadership through your work studying it, including your most recent podcast. It was such a blessing to hear more about Joe Biden and his personal story, and the ways in which he wants to lead our country with courage and empathy.

Sincerely, your #1 fan, Michelle

Dear Social Justice Book Club,

I will not be ready for How to be an Anti-Racist on Sunday. Where is everyone else at? Can we postpone? It was so much easier in the summer.

Sincerest apologies, Michelle

Dear fellow Americans,

As if you haven't been reminded enough, let's get out to vote. 

Sincerely, a hopeful neighbor

Dear AB & MH,

Thank you for listening and leading with such a loving calmness about you. I appreciate all your attention to detail and the work you do behind the scenes for all of us. Also, thanks for teaching me how to be a better leader in the structures and routines you execute with us at school. Appreciate you so so much.

Love, Brezek

Dear Coffee,

There's a new method on the way. I have learned all about the French Press and can't wait till the one I ordered gets here.

Excited! Michelle

Dear RB,

You were meant to teach Stamped to eighth graders. Your energy, love, and exuberance is contagious and I'm so thankful I've been able to drop in some of your discussions. Fave moments were when Julian put his eye to the camera, like, "Wut?!" or "Yep, I agree." Looking forward to see what the kids create, and happy to be on that journey with you.

Hugs, Brezek

Dear Cousin,

Such a good chat this week catching up with you. I'm so proud of you for prioritizing your happiness and think you are wise beyond your 23 years. Keep it up girl, you're inspiring all those around you!

Love, Michelle

Dear 30's,

We have about one week left together, and to you, I'm thankful for all the ways I've grown. I have learned so much about health, including emotional and mental health as I've negotiated relationships with others. I can say that I did not expect to be on the verge of 40 still single, but unlike a decade ago, I will say that I find value in all the areas of my life that are flourishing. Thank you for molding me into a confident woman after all the insecurities of my late 20's and early 30's.

Love, Michelle

Dear HW,

I can't wait to see you!

xo, your bff