In the book Leading the Whole Teacher by Allyson Apsey, she emphasizes that “Every teacher brings their whole self to school: their dreams, their personal challenges, their hopes and fears, and their desire to be valued, to be connected, and to learn and grow.” I think we have all faced times when the prospect of a new school year, meeting new students and colleagues, stirs both excitement and apprehension. For example, early in my career, I was excessed from a school and classroom teacher position I adored due to budget cuts, yet, when I found my place in a new school, I learned more about literacy, teaching and learning in a single year than in the preceding ones.

In the journey of teaching, these unexpected transitions often hold the most valuable lessons and connections.

First Week Reflections

This week marked a heartwarming return of students to our district. As I roamed through the various school buildings, reconnecting with familiar faces among students, educators, and staff, I couldn’t help but reflect on a recurring theme I’ve encountered throughout my educational journey.

In all the school communities I’ve had the privilege to serve, I’ve never met a teacher who didn’t have caring hearts and place students at the very core of their decision-making process. This week, as I engaged in conversations and exchanged emails, I was struck by the caring, commitment, and dedication of our educators to nurture their own growth while fostering the boundless curiosity of their students.

Some of these conversations echoed sentiments like, “Lauren, I’m excited to implement that phonemic awareness strategy I learned during the summer literacy professional learning series. I truly believe it will boost my students’ confidence when encountering new words.” Others resonated with, “Lauren, I revisited the asynchronous video you shared on navigating the Literacy Hub. I believe it will greatly aid my colleagues in more intentional planning.” And there were those discussions centered around innovative teaching approaches, such as, “What are your thoughts on the connection activity I’ve planned for the kids? I believe it will lay the foundation for enhancing their language comprehension skills right from the start.”

Moreover, I discovered the beautiful thread of connection between teachers in my current district and those I had the privilege of working with in the past. One teacher shared “Lauren, you might know Annie, a teacher you collaborated with in your previous district. She was the most outstanding student teacher I’ve ever had.” To which I replied, “Oh, I’m not at all surprised. Annie always had that magical touch. Whenever I stepped into her Kindergarten classroom, I could sense how special she was and still is.” And with a smile, I continued, “Ms. P, it’s clear that you passed on your Kindergarten magic to her. It’s truly something special!”

I’m sharing these reflections because this week felt notably different from previous inaugural weeks, carrying a distinct significance. I’ve never felt a stronger connection to the people I serve and a clearer grasp of the priorities that must propel us forward. I am deeply honored that educators felt comfortable approaching me with their insights because these individuals are the ones who conjure magic in the learning spaces that house our most important stakeholders – our students.

When the Past Meets the Present

Here’s another interaction I’ll never forget. Stepping into a 5th-grade classroom, I was warmly welcomed by a cheerful teacher. “Hello, everyone! I’m Mrs. Kaufman, the Director of Literacy here, it’s like I’m the district’s reading and writing detective.” Following my introduction, my gaze met that of a new student, Katherine, who eagerly chimed in, “Hello, Mrs. Kaufman. I’m Katherine, and I’m new here!” “Welcome, Katherine! We’re so happy to have you here,” I replied. Curious, I inquired, “Which school did you transfer from?” “I came from a school in Queens,” she answered. Realizing that there are nearly 2,000 schools within the New York City Department of Education, I couldn’t help but add, “Well, Katherine, we already have something in common. Many years ago, I was a second-grade classroom teacher in that very same school.” Her smile illuminated the room, and together, we commemorated the moment with a selfie. It’s a beautiful reminder that, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, life has a way of guiding us to precisely where we are meant to be.

Moving Forward

As educators and leaders we must always remember that relationships are the cornerstone of the meaningful connections we make throughout our lives. They are the bridge between who we are, how we can meaningfully impact others, and make a difference. When you look back on the beginnings of a school year, new places you’ve worked, and the best learning experiences you have encountered, I can say with confidence that it is most likely the people who connected, encouraged, and empowered you to develop and reach your full potential who will be remembered. It is the people who took the time to get to know you as a person, who listened and cared deeply about your thoughts and ideas, celebrated your successes, embrace your failures, and inspired you to try again that left an infinite impact.

You probably remember the people who showed humility and embraced humanness in every interaction, big or small. In the book Innovate Inside the Box by George Couros and Katie Novak, Couros said, “Caring is what is most essential to the work we do every single day. Caring is what enables us to develop relationships with students and colleagues even when it is difficult to find common ground.” Being intentional with opportunities to connect with others and making sure people feel valued is an investment in the work you do every single day. Very often when you are in the moment, you may not always recognize that the connections you are making with others will positively influence their future. You are making a difference. Keep forging ahead because education needs you. 

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow 1. Embrace the Whole Self: Encourage educators to recognize and embrace their whole selves, including their dreams, challenges, hopes, and fears. Acknowledge that these personal aspects contribute to their unique teaching abilities. 2. Foster Caring Connections: Encourage educators to prioritize building caring connections with students and colleagues. Emphasize the importance of listening, empathy, and support in nurturing relationships that promote growth and well-being. 3. Celebrate Innovation and Growth: Inspire educators to explore innovative teaching strategies and professional development opportunities that enhance their skills and boost students’ confidence. Encourage them to share their successes and ideas with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous improvement.