The Christmas Blog: A Source of HOPE!

 Friends, 

I haven’t written for awhile. As we head into before winter break I wanted to send a word of encouragement your way.  This is afterall, the most wonderful time of year!

A few years ago, I was substitute teaching in a school where middle school students gathered for morning meetings. Each meeting included announcements and an anecdote from the principal. The principal always aimed to share a story that encouraged good character and reflection. At the start of the new year the principal had created a list of his top ten moments of  the year to share with students.  This certainly was  an inspiring way to start the day and a reflective way to consider my own memories.

 

This week as I remembered the principal’s top ten I can honestly tell you that I’m not sure I’ll be able to mark 2020 with a top ten. Yet, there are a handful of blessings and among them are the teachers I get to teach beside. 

This is a year when many teachers are weary that we have enough endurance to do this life giving  and life changing work that is teaching. Let this be the note that encourages you.  I have  always been moved by the work of compassionate educators.  Teachers have so much creativity and knowledge. They could've used it in any other profession but, instead they gave it away so I could be successful. ……These days, I only hope that my students  know just how much I care. 

I once heard hope described as HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EXIST. The acronym has stuck with me for some time. It might be because our profession calls on us to lend a helping hand and lead with hopeful hearts.  You are HOPE for your families , for your students and for other educators. 

Each day in classroom I start the day with a prayer : 

Dear Lord, 

I am grateful to celebrate teaching and learning with you where I am. I’m also lifting up teachers, community leaders, and students  who are making learning work with the resources they have…..  This includes YOU!

This week remember that you matter just as much as you tell your students they matter!  YOU are part of my HOPE. Keep on Keeping on!

Merry Christmas!

Joyfully, 

Teacher Julie 

Preparing to Face The New Normal : Adjusting & Adapting

Friends,

Quarantine has given me quiet time to reflect.  Sometimes my heart is heavy  for the way the world hurts and sometimes my heart is strong enough to hope for healing. Today I was content with hope and wanted to share that with you. 

It’s mid summer. This means that school communities everywhere are considering how to safely return to classroom teaching.  These conversations can be overwhelming especially if you teach in a large school setting.  It’s normal to be apprehensive.  Honestly, the news coverage of the pandemic leaves little room for anything other than fear. 
           
As I begin to prepare for what the new year will bring I couldn’t help but to think back to this time last year.  I was a first year teacher who also copes with cerebral palsy.  This meant that I was extremely grateful that someone had given the chance to teach nonetheless; this gratitude was matched with tremendous apprehension. 

 The summer left me time to remember what situations I had  already encountered as I worked with students in various settings.   Some of those experiences triggered the worst of “what if” scenarios.  I refused to face my fear alone and sent my team an e-mail of concerns and how students would know about my worries.    The team knew before they met me what I feared.   The response was pointed and powerful:  We are glad you’re here. Looking forward to an exciting year!

 The first day of school came quickly.  I chatted with students about why I thought they should know about my disability.  I emphasized that most of what I said was to keep us safe. I had spent months worried about what might happen I also know  it’s not uncommon for students to respond to difference later or in varied ways.  So it still shocks me that not a single student mocked, or challenged my needs--Ever. I am grateful for them and proud of them!

 There’s so much to be said about this story. It proves that we underestimate the ability of young people to adapt.  I’m not overly worried about pandemic teaching because my students experienced a new normal the moment they entered my classroom. 
 So as you worry  about experiencing  normal let my students be the reason you believe your students will eventually lean into their leadership. Be honest.  Trust that they listen. Bravery looks different for everyone.  Remind students of this early  and  often. Then, agree to be brave together!  I promise that  it’ll turn out better than any scenario you could ever imagine! The way that students accepted normal was impressive. It’s the reason why I’m more hopeful than afraid! 

Joyfully, 
Teacher Julie 

 

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EveryYear I Cry!

Friends,

At the end of every school year since the first grade I’ve cried.   The saying goes, “It seems impossible until it’s done”.   My tears convey a sense of overwhelming joy, grit, gratitude, and hope.    The joy comes from accomplishing another goal.  The determined sprit comes from understanding that overcoming obstacles isn’t for the faint at heart.   The gratitude exists for the people in each chapter of my life who promise that not only can  I achieve success but I will.  It might be fair to say that I cry because each year brings about a challenge that seems impossible. 

  Today I had the opportunity to celebrate graduation with my first group of Walnut Grove Christian School Seniors as a mentor and teacher.  This year our time in the classroom was cut short by unforeseen circumstances nonetheless, I tried to remind my students often that I was grateful to be their teacher. I’ve always loved graduations because they honor dedication to future dreams.  They celebrate both who graduates are and the promises that await them.  Today, as I watched our seniors I held back tears because celebrating dreams of young people has always been my greatest dream. A teacher can’t teach without her students!  Congratulations class of 2020! It brought me great joy to dream big with you!

As a first year teacher with cerebral palsy, I worried that students would judge or misunderstand my limitations.  At the end of this school year I cried because my students care enough not to care. It is the one of most remarkable feelings I have ever experienced.

As a first year teacher, I wondered how well I’d connect with fellow teachers.  We all teach differently but support and acknowledge the abilities of one another. We love what we do and can count on each other.    It isn’t  just about knowing  good teachers it’s about knowing good people.  I cried because  it takes courage to teach. It's so encouraging when the teachers you work with affirm your call!

As a first year teacher, I was nervous about sharing prayer requests in our staff prayer circle.   I’ve borrowed strength from that circle often.  It is a daily reminder that God is the center of what we do at school. 

As a first year teacher I wondered how much of a difference and now I have an inbox of thank you e-mails from students.

At the end of the every school year I cry.  This year has been full of opportunity to conquer challenge.  I am so proud to be a Walnut Grove Christian School teacher... It seems impossible  for it to be end of my first year of teaching. I'm not done yet. Truthfully,  I really hope this is just the beginning!

 Joy & Prayers,

Teacher Julie

 

A Life Far Out OF Reach

 Friends, 

At the end of the summer an extraordinary teaching mentor gave me a beautiful journal.  There’s heartfelt note inside the journal. In part it reminds me that my first year of teaching will be tough and special. I should take many photos of school events, build relationships within the school community, and write.  Truthfully, I haven’t written too often.  I love to write.  I’m just in a season where finding the right words is tough.  Today is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness day. As a new teacher who copes with cerebral palsy I promised that I would find time to write.

This time last year coping with cerebral palsy was overwhelming and exhausting. It seemed that my call to teach was becoming more of a burden than blessing.  This year though, I get to celebrate the true JOY of what it means to navigate the world as a young disabled professional.   Research reveals that cerebral palsy is one of the most common disabilities in the world.  We also know that while there isn’t a cure.   Furthermore research will explain that generally people with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed than our non-disabled peers.  It’s simple; going to work is a privilege.  This time last year the life I’m living right now felt so far out of reach. I was thoroughly convinced that mentors and dear friends were just being kind when they told me I should keep my drive to teach.  So today as I learn to teach History from my sofa amidst the pandemic I also want to celebrate that it is gift to be a teacher.

The days of first year teaching are challenging. Most days I can’t decide if a task is difficult because I’m a teacher or because I’m a teacher who copes with cerebral palsy.   Truthfully it’s often a combination of the two.  It’s a tough and constant inner battle that I can’t easily communicate with others.  The same question that constantly irritates me   also leaves me with sincere and heartfelt gratitude.  This is the part of my story that I want to share. 

A few weeks ago I had a meeting with the principal to talk about a recent classroom observation.  He provided me with helpful and constructive feedback.  Then he made a comment that has replayed in my head a dozen times.  You are succeeding and will continue to be a success.  His remarks stuck with me.  They were simple and kind.  They were also powerful.  There’s always been this idea that students need impactful adults to help them become a success. This is true but I think that people often forget that students will become adults. The truth is that everyone needs to be encouraged and empowered.  In a world of brokenness giving someone the opportunity to use her abilities for good is life changing!

The greatest part of my  story isn’t the complexities of cerebral palsy it is about compassionate community. We are stronger together!

With a grateful heart,

 Teacher Julie