Friends,
This week I had the opportunity to speak at a professional development conference for educators. This was the first public speaking experience I've had as an educator. This experience was particularly special because I spoke alongside Dr. Rudneskey, one of my greatest mentors who was also my middle school principal. The way that Dr. R has celebrated my story over the years is truly extraordinary. It was a great honor to share my story during Cerebral Palsy Awareness month. I'm still overwhelmed by the uplifting response to my remarks. I believe that words matter. I'm grateful that Dr. R provided me space to share words of hope and courage with other teachers this week :
The alternative to hope is fear. It would’ve been easy to live paralyzed in fear but then there wouldn’t be a story to share. It has proven much more useful to live in radiant hope.
I have always imagined myself as a teacher. I have known since kindergarten. My heart never wavered from the call. As a young girl with cerebral palsy, I never considered the amount of courage or perseverance that becoming an educator would demand of me. I just always remembered how valued my teachers made me feel. I need to be abundantly clear that there wasn’t a shortage of love at home. My Mom had given me an immeasurable amount of unconditional love. She still does. The care and support of educators simply felt different because it wasn’t expected. Creating cultures of care within our schools is important. The classroom is where I thrived because my effort was constantly acknowledged. Nonetheless, it feels awkward and slightly misleading to convey my school experiences as purely positive. Cerebral palsy encompasses both physical and learning disabilities. In reality, this meant that school was a balancing act between fear and joy ( Sometimes it still is ). As I was figuring out my disabilities, I had to explain them to relentless school bullies. It’s natural for people to think of our shortcomings before our strengths yet the burden of that bears more weight for me. I belong to a set of triplets who are fully able. So, each time a classmate mocked my walk or left me behind on the playground I longed for my sister’s lighting speed. She was the star of the track team, but I was always paces behind. I’d gone to physical therapy and endured countless surgeries. It didn’t make sense. The practice and procedures were supposed to fix me. I worked so diligently but classmates only noticed my brokenness. Constantly navigating the territory of praise and ridicule often left me in an emotional limbo. I was dearly loved by teachers but wasn’t accepted by my peers. It was confusing and exhausting.
My middle school years were critical to learning how to process BIG emotions. Dr. Rudnskey’s mentorship began at a time in my life when I constantly grappled with the idea that my life wasn’t fair. He always spoke so authentically about the value of accomplishing goals. School was a place where I needed to be brave. This is to say when you are identifiable different— you find yourself constantly fighting against it even if it’s not always obvious. Unfortunately, there is no amount of care that can change that . The way that Dr. R presented the concept of goal setting cultivated a community of courage. He authentically acknowledged that the challenges of life were real. He also demonstrated that the courage to overcome those challenges was just as Suddenly bravery wasn’t an emotion I had to conquer quietly. Rather it could be celebrated confidently. The process of goal setting made my hope tangible. It provided me an opportunity to develop what a dear friend calls creative coping skills. My encounter with Dr. R allowed me to understand that I was capable even in the face of cerebral palsy. The gift of courage is one that I cherish most. It’s what makes my pathway to teaching so rewarding.
Today I am a History teacher at Walnut Grove Christian School. My role as a disabled educator is significant and unique. As the founder and principal of our school, Mr. Boyd left his role as a public school teacher to create a space centered on core Christian values. Over the past 23 years Mr. Boyd has worked tirelessly to cultivate a community of courage. His vision invites students & faculty to Strive for More— More opportunities for creativity, critical thinking, and most importantly compassionate Christ centered leadership. For me the scripture is clear: I have been commanded to be strong & courageous. My place on our teacher team is a practical application of the scriptures that allows hope to be visible. I have been called to teach because people need experiences with those who live differently and are dearly loved. There’s a deep sense of gratitude that my school family always acknowledges my strength as a joyful and supportive leader. Authentic communities are valuable. They encourage vulnerability. Vulnerability allows others to accept imperfection. A sense of belonging ultimately fosters opportunities for meaningful learning. The life we endure together helps us maintain courageous and resilient hearts. Teaching is an opportunity to celebrate courage. It is a calling that challenges me to live a radiantly purposeful life!
Many Educators are heading toward the final quarter of the school year. Find time to celebrate life with people who will help you go the second mile in Hope!
