Containers

Happy Break, or Almost Break, to those who are just getting one.
Whether you stay home or travel, may the week be one of rest and relaxation. Taking time for you is the most important thing you can do. This week We were listening to some mindfulness exercises and considered the metaphor of a container. I shared the following with our faculty.

A few thoughts…  on Containers… we have to take care of what’s inside.

You are an important member of this department. You bring courage, creativity, insights, and experiences that will help our candidates (aka students) become great teachers. There are three things I hope for.

First, within your own container, I hope that you will take care of yourself. Take care of your yourself physically – take walks, exercise, eat right; mentally – write, explore something within your field, read; emotionally – play, do something that makes you happy, garden, hike; socially – intentionally activate your support group, have a cookout, work with an organization; spiritually – meditate, pray, what ever “centers” you, embrace it.

Second, consider how in the container of your workplace: your office, your classroom, with your advisees, your program, your outreach, your colleagues, your responsibilities here, the committees you get to work with, how can you make it better? How can we find ways to help one another take care of our students? As we seek ways to reach out to our candidates, current and prospective, perhaps we can look deeper into their needs and have more conversations with one another, with and about them. 

Third, consider the container of this department. We are in a small container. May we find ways to take better care of one another, to celebrate and encourage one another, to listen and inspire one another. May we ensure that our outreach efforts reflect passion for making a difference in the lives of children and educators in this region, this state. May we create a container that is welcoming, collaborative, creative, and supportive

In some schools, teachers are receiving the, 'Are you planning on returning?' letter. I know for some that can be challenging. Do I stay or look for another position? We have and are having job fairs in our region. Wherever you end up, may you look to embrace yourself, the students you will serve, and the colleagues you will live in community with.