Welcome to February everyone, the month where kindness and love are brought to the forefront. I couldn’t help but notice yesterday how the sun was out just that little bit longer and how the bite in the air (albeit much warmer than usual) wasn’t quite so harsh. Our Division 3 & 4 teachers are starting in on their second semesters and our Division one and two teachers are deep into the groove of their years with much happening in their schools and classrooms as always. Teaching sure is busy, don’t we all know it! I am always so appreciative to brag about teachers and about how the “busy” of a teacher means that great learning is happening. Thank you for what you are doing, you matter so greatly, my hope that is one day you will realize this the way that many do (about you!)
As I have shared, I have “resolved” (YES, I made a resolution, but it is a manageable one) to read more. To fill my brain with useful, peaceful words and ideas that leave me pondering in a positive way on what leadership is and how it is fostered. I by NO means am an expert but, I sure am enjoying the journey toward growing further in this capacity. I am currently far gone in the world of Brene Brown, and I am loving it! In her book Dare to Lead, she is quoted to say “Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things.” Being the person that I am, I am not silent about much. This said, knowing when and how to speak up can often be difficult. Talk too much – people stop listening. Talk too little – you have lost your crowd to louder voices. What this quote tells me is that as leaders (in our own way) we know when to speak up because feel it in our souls. As I have said before and as I often share, it is time for teachers to do MORE “hard things”. But, this time, it will be to support our work as teachers. You are needed to help to promote and empower your (our) profession!
As you can see by the events noted below, our Local is offering many ways to engage and empower our teachers and we hope that you will accept our invitation to take part in these. We also hope that you will take the opportunity to seek your choice of Professional Development through the use of the Teacher Professional Growth Fund. Access to $650 of self directed PD is an application away! Visit our website under “How We Help” to apply!
With this, as we do the “hard things,” I hope that you seek comfort in the unity that is this profession. Teachers are some of the pillars of society, and YOU are a part of this. That is no small detail in the make-up of your work everyday in our cherished publicly-funded Catholic education system!
I am looking forward to seeing you all at Teachers’ Convention and I wish you well always,
Sandra
