Letting the Dust Settle

I’ve been getting a lot of no’s lately, and I think I’m okay with that.  I’ve reached out for panelists, presenters, summer-school teachers – and even just someone to bring the muffins on Monday – with a larger-than-usual proportion of turndowns.  I’ve probed a bit and people really do have a lot on their plates. But I’m starting to think there’s more to it than that. I see teachers mindfully choosing their yes’s, safeguarding some space in their lives.
 
This week, I attended my first maskless conference since January 2020. We’ve been through a lot these past two years, responding flexibly and immediately because we had to – because we cared about our students and because the situation demanded it.  Now, maybe, it’s time to let the dust settle – or you might choose the more poetic metaphor of letting the glitter in a snow globe float to rest.  A little stillness is needed to see where things will fall. A few no’s might give teachers (and ourselves) a needed respite.
 
Many places in the country were facing teacher shortages before the pandemic – and now the exit from the profession is its own pandemic. If we are going to hold on to great teachers, and give ourselves the energy to go on, we need some mindful moments, some soothing sanctuaries, some restorative retreats. I wonder how you could create these at your school?
 
If you have an office or classroom space, could you turn off the florescent lights and open the blinds or turn on a lamp? Could you have a playlist of bird sounds or a crackling fireplace or an ocean tide whispering in the background, and pause before a conversation long enough to notice it?
 
When you meet in a teacher’s room after school, could you settle in a chair and take a breath, giving an affirming smile before you launch into a conversation? Teachers will benefit from your abiding, calming presence if you can rouse it – but you’ll have to make some quiet for yourself so that you exude serenity rather than weariness.
 
Be okay with a few no’s from others, responding empathetically when they decline a request. And please, take care of yourself. “Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” Reflect on the glitter that has settled around you.  Choose the jewels to keep, and those to let go of, even if it means saying a few no’s yourself.

This week, you might want to take a look at:
 
Transcribing as a coaching tool:
 
https://choiceliteracy.com/article/a-coachs-toolbox-transcribing-talk/
 
Scroll down for the section on coaching and SEL:
 
http://buzzingwithmsb.blogspot.com/2022/02/sel-for-all-with-haley-oconnor-ep-91.html
 
 
Getting specific about reading like writers:
 
https://choiceliteracy.com/article/supporting-talk-around-writers-craft/
 
 
Leveraging teacher leaders to boost coaching impact:
 
https://blog.teachboost.com/leveraging-your-teacher-leaders-as-peer-mentors
 
 
This 4-minute video about trauma-informed practices:
 
https://www.turnaroundusa.org/video/edutopia-presents-how-learning-happens-getting-started-with-trauma-informed-practices/
 
That’s it for this week.  Happy Coaching!
 
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