As I celebrate my 200th blog post, I’m reminded that every word, idea, and story shared here has been shaped by the people who have encouraged me to keep going. This post is for them and for all of us who believe in the power of lifting others.
Five years ago, my good friend George Couros challenged me to start blogging in front of a mentor program I was facilitating. I had always loved to write, but I never called myself a writer. Imposter syndrome quickly rushed in, along with a question that ran laps inside my head: What could I possibly share that hasn’t been said before?
George reminded me, “You don’t write for others, Lauren… you write for yourself, to reflect on your own learning.” So that’s what I began to do. The idea that my writing also began resonating with others is something I see as a beautiful gift.
Recently, I shared a virtual space with my friend Meghan Lawson, who told the story of how George encouraged her to start blogging. Not long after, I had dinner with my friend Allyson Apsey, who said the same thing. That’s the power of encouragement, when one person lifts another, the impact multiplies. This is why we celebrate others.
In those early days of blogging, I agonized over pressing publish until another friend offered advice that shifted my thinking: “Don’t worry about perfection, just get your writing out there.” Because others lifted me up, I found the courage to keep going. Over time, that consistency led me to contribute to various educational publications, add my voice to books like Because of a Teacher and Evolving with Gratitude and eventually publish my very own, The Leader Inside, where I invited others to share their voices. Elevating and celebrating others has always been at the heart of who I am.
I’ll never forget my 100th blog post. To commemorate it, I invited educators and authors who inspired me to collaborate on This is Why We Write. Their generosity amazed me, but looking back, I shouldn’t have been surprised. That’s what great educators do, they lift others up. That post has since been shared thousands of times, a reminder of the power of celebration.
Now, here I am at my 200th post, an incredible milestone made possible because of the community that has lifted and inspired me along the way. To honor that spirit, I invited education thought leaders to respond to the prompt: This is why I celebrate others. Once again, I was overwhelmed by their generosity and heart.
My hope is that their reflections remind you of the people who have believed in you and inspire you to carry that encouragement forward. You don’t have to read this post all at once. I invite you to come back to it whenever you need inspiration. Share this post with your communities, spark conversations, and find your own ways to celebrate others every day.
In shining light on others, we illuminate what’s possible together.
So, here’s to more writing, more courage, and more celebrating the people who make our work and our world better.
Because this…THIS is why we celebrate others.
Lauren M. Kaufman
Website: LaurenMKaufman.com
Social media handle: @LaurenMKaufman
Gifts live within exceptional human beings, waiting to be unwrapped in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. We all have the unique opportunity to help others discover their gifts and light a spark that ignites passion and purpose. When we take the time to truly see others, their strengths, their potential, and their unique impact, we create the conditions for others to feel calm, capable, and confident in their work. Every moment of recognition, no matter how small, can become the catalyst for something greater. Celebrating others is not just an act of kindness; it’s an investment in our collective capacity to inspire, connect, and transform the spaces where we learn, teach, and lead.
Katie Novak, Ed.D.
Website: novakeducation.com
Social media handle: @KatieNovakUDL
Everyone deserves to have their best parts seen, lifted up, and celebrated. In schools, that means noticing what each person brings to the community. I often tell teachers, “All of you are the best at something. Maybe it’s your lightning-fast response time, your smooth classroom routines, or the way you make project-based learning come alive. Imagine if we all learned from our collective best?” When we celebrate what’s working, we grow together and actually enjoy the process. And goodness knows, we could all use a little appreciation, celebration, and joy.
George Couros
Website: georgecouros.com
Social media handle: @gcouros
One of my favorite things to do when speaking is to reference the incredible people I have learned from over the years. Many people might feel intimidated standing with a microphone and sharing what they learned from someone else, but in reality, when the spotlight is on you, one of the best things you can do is shine it on others. Not only does it lift them, it also shows that you are curious and committed to growth no matter where you are in your career. I have never once regretted shining the light on others, because every time I do, it only makes my own light shine brighter.
Dr. Donya Ball
Website: Donyaball.com
Social media handle: @dr__d__
Celebrating others is choosing contribution over competition. Life is about giving, not taking, and lifting others up is one of the most meaningful ways to give. When I celebrate someone’s success, I’m showing them that their journey holds deep value. This builds true community. Happiness multiplies when it’s shared, and that’s why celebrating others is so powerful.
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
Website: racheledohoeket.com
Social media handle: @racheledohoeket
I’ve learned that when you take the time to recognize someone’s strengths, it can completely change the way they see themselves and the work they do. This is certainly true in my own life! Celebrating others doesn’t have to be big or fancy, it’s often just noticing and affirming the good you see in people. When leaders do that, we build real trust and connection. A quick word of encouragement or a simple “I see your potential” can spark so much pride and motivation. Ultimately, leadership isn’t about what we can accomplish alone, it’s about how many people we lift up, support, and encourage along the way!
Danny Steele
Website: LeadershipLearningAndCulture.com
Social media handle: @SteeleThoughts
I have always appreciated it when I see a running back who has just scored a touchdown and hand the football to one of his offensive lineman to spike. I appreciate the recognition that he did not succeed on his own. When any of us succeeds, it is because others have helped us along the way. The poet, John Donne, wrote that “No man is an island.” This famous line speaks to the truth of the connections we share with one another. None of us lives, works, or succeeds in a vacuum. We need each other. We benefit from each other. When we celebrate others, we underscore the myriad ways that they add value to our collective journey… and we inspire them to continue on.
Stacey Roshan
Website: techiemusings.com
Social media handle: @buddyxo
Celebrating the work of other teachers is one of the best ways to foster a culture of innovation. As an edtech coach and consultant, I’ve seen how sharing stories—not just tutorials—sparks real impact and meaningful change. While a walkthrough of a tool can be helpful, seeing its impact in action is truly transformative. When we build systems to visibly highlight teacher successes, we help colleagues feel connected, inspired, and intrinsically motivated to try new approaches. Instead of being told, “Here’s the tool, and here’s how to use it,” they see a colleague’s success and the resulting student impact. By pairing tutorials and supports with these spotlights, we give all teachers the opportunity to remix ideas and bring them to life in their own learning environments. Celebrating others uplifts morale, fuels innovation, and empowers lasting change and continual growth.
Darrin Peppard, Ed.D.
Website: roadtoawesome.net
Social media handle: @DarrinMPeppard
Celebrating and lifting up others is at the very heart of how I choose to lead. I believe that true leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room or the one with all the answers, but rather about helping others shine in their strengths and contributions. When we take time to recognize and celebrate the people around us, we not only affirm their value but also inspire them to reach even higher. Lifting others up creates an environment of trust, positivity, and growth where everyone feels seen and supported. I’ve found that the most rewarding part of leadership isn’t in personal accolades, but in watching others succeed and knowing I had a role in encouraging their journey. When leaders model this mindset, it builds a culture where success is shared, not hoarded, and where every person is empowered to thrive. At the end of the day, leadership is about impact, and the greatest impact comes when we help others discover their own greatness.
Lainie Rowell
Website: LainieRowell.com
Social media handle: @LainieRowell
When we lift others up, we optimize happiness, relationships, and performance for everyone involved. That is the protective and restorative power of gratitude; it grounds us in what matters even when life feels overwhelming. It is not about ignoring what is hard, it is about refusing to overlook what is good in the people around us. And in the hardest seasons of education, when stress and pressure are at their peak, celebrating others can be the difference between burning out and continuing with purpose. Celebration is not only about big milestones but also about recognizing the everyday contributions that often go unseen. Every acknowledgement, whether it is a thank-you email, a kind word in a meeting, or a moment to notice someone’s effort, strengthens our connections and builds trust. Celebration is not soft, it is a force that builds resilience and cultivates thriving, shaping cultures where people feel seen, heard, known, and valued.
Dr. Mary Hemphill
Website: bealimitlessleader.com
Social media handle: @thelimitlesslady
I celebrate others because leadership is not a solo act. It is a collective rhythm of growth, grace, and gratitude that amplifies the human experience. When I celebrate others, I am acknowledging the courage it takes to keep showing up, to keep trying, to keep leading even when it’s hard. Celebration is my way of saying, I see you. I see your intention, your effort, and your evolution. In a world that often rewards noise over nuance, I choose to celebrate substance. Because when we recognize the greatness in others, we reinforce what is possible in ourselves and for the future generation.
Laura Williams
Website: authenticlearningalliance.org
Social media handle: @mrswilliams21c
Because there is a wild energy when someone steps into their potential. Following your wild heart begins with the question, “why not now and why not you?” We all just want to add value and be valued, and when we celebrate others we let them know they are seen and that their work matters. Leaving a legacy means leaving people and places better than we found them, and being the someone that believed in someone else is gift that we get to pay forward. We don’t have to go it alone. Celebration is the heartbeat of collective impact, reminding us that we go further, farther, faster together. It should be our personal mission as education leaders to take care of people who take care of people. And sometimes just showing up for each other can make all the difference.
Joshua Stamper
Website: joshstamper.com
Social media handle: @Joshua__Stamper
I celebrate and uplift others because education should be rooted in connection, support, and collaboration. As many wise educational leaders remind us, “the smartest person in the room is the room.” None of us hold all the best ideas or strengths alone, but together we can create incredible, transformative change. As President John F. Kennedy said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” I am committed to amplifying the voices, strategies, and initiatives of amazing educators so that, collectively, we can inspire and impact students in the most meaningful ways.
Nicki Slaugh
Website: nickislaugh.com
Social media handle: @principal_nickislaugh
Celebrating others in education means creating a team of students, teachers, staff, and administrators who support, inspire, and challenge one another. When we build a safe environment where it’s okay to take risks or even fail, we create a culture that encourages innovation, growth, and true learning. In our faculty meetings, we celebrate the wins within our school by shouting each other out and clapping together. In classrooms, we celebrate learning and growth in fun ways, whether it’s making an announcement over the intercom or ringing a gong because it’s about creating a culture where learning is valued and appreciated.
That kind of celebration doesn’t happen by chance, it starts with leadership. As leaders, we need to be the energy we want to attract, to lead by example and set the tone. Your vibe attracts your tribe, and when we bring that energy, it creates a ripple effect: teachers feed off it, and then it flows to students. This builds an environment where everyone lifts each other up, gains confidence, identifies passions, and thrives on positive energy. The ultimate goal is simple: to make school a place where both students and staff love to show up every single day.
Marlon Styles
Website: marlonstyles.com
Social media handle: Styles_MarlonJr
This is why I celebrate others: I believe gifts live within every person, waiting to be discovered at the right time, with the right people. Recognizing those gifts keeps me grounded in my purpose as an educator and leader. Celebration has become both a discipline and a joy, a daily practice that reminds me to align my actions with what I value most: people, purpose, and possibility. When I take time to lift others up, I’m not only affirming their journey but also helping build a culture where joy and success are shared. And when I celebrate others, I want them to feel this: you matter, your story matters, and the person you are will always matter here.
Meghan Lawson
Website: MeghanLawson.com
Social media handle: @Meghan_Lawson
We get one life. One big, beautiful life. And we spend a large portion of our lives at work, searching for meaning and desperately wanting to matter. We want it to matter that we were here together. It’s remarkable when you really think about it. Let’s stop wasting precious time. What we look for, we find. Let’s grow the good in ourselves and in each other. Ridiculous times call for a ridiculous amount of love. Let’s work together to leave this place better than when we found it.
Sean Gaillard
Website: seangaillard.com
Social media handle: @smgaillard
Why celebrate others? Because every person deserves to be seen, valued, and reminded that they belong. We are called to see something good in someone else and to speak it into existence, especially when they may not see it in themselves. The road we walk can often feel isolating, but a simple act of acknowledgment can light the way forward. As educators, we pour so much into our students, yet it is just as important to remember our bandmates and lift them up as well. A handwritten note, a kind word, or a moment of gratitude can become the spark that ignites someone’s confidence and purpose. Celebrating others affirms their gifts and strengths while creating an invitation for them to share even more of who they are. One small celebration can ripple outward, inspiring connection, belonging, and positive change. Choosing to celebrate others is a powerful reminder that every person matters and that together we can build something better.
Allyson Apsey
Website: allysonapsey.com
Social media handle: @AllysonApsey
There was a time in my life when I believed success was scarce, like there was only so much to go around. When I saw others thriving, I’d quietly wonder, “Why not me?” But, as I’ve grown in confidence and leaned into my own gifts, I’ve realized something freeing: someone else’s success is not my failure. This realization has led to something beautiful—sharing in the joy that comes with others’ success. When I celebrate with them, I’m not only cheering from the sidelines; I’m helping amplify their light so it reaches even farther.
Salome Thomas-EL, Ed.D.
Website: PrincipalEL.com
Social media handle: @Principal_EL
I could speak endlessly about the transformative power of celebrating others within our schools. Over my 25 years as a principal, I have seen how celebration is not just about recognition- it is about building trust-based relationships, nurturing confidence, and cultivating resilience. As our schools and communities grow more diverse, celebrating one another fosters belonging and cultural understanding. When students and staff feel seen, valued, and respected, our entire school community thrives. Celebration strengthens the bonds between students, staff, families, and leaders. And as the principal and leader, I want to lead with celebration at the center, ensuring that all who walk through our doors know they matter.
Laura McDonnell
Website: pavementandpages.blogspot.com/
Social media handle: @lmcdonell14
I celebrate others because it is fun—and because it is powerful. When you genuinely cheer for someone else’s success, you open yourself up to new possibilities. From a psychological perspective, it shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance. If it is possible for them, then it is possible for you as well. I used to tell my children, “If someone shows you their new Spiderman light-up shoes, get excited with them.” That kind of energy—lighting up with someone instead of trying to outshine them—is magnetic. People remember how you make them feel, and when you celebrate others, you become someone they want to be around. Success is not limited; the pie is big enough for everyone. Choose to live in the energy of hope and potential, not in the mindset of comparison or defeat.
Sarah D. Cordova
Website: literacy-matters.net
Social media handle: @LMReadWrite
I celebrate others because, as a literacy consultant and author, I meet hundreds of educators each year at schools and conferences nationwide. They come from diverse backgrounds, bring varying levels of experience, and serve different student populations. Sometimes I share mentor texts with small curriculum teams; other times I facilitate conversations on culturally responsive picture books alongside award-winning authors. Occasionally, I step into classrooms to model engaging literacy practices with teachers and students. Across all these experiences, one thread is constant: educators committed to growing professionally so their students can thrive. Their passion, collaboration, and dedication deserve celebration. I honor teachers I know—and those I connect with online—through book giveaways, social media spotlights, and simple follow-up notes after professional development. I advocate for the time and resources that help them become stronger educators, fostering more engaged learners. I will continue to honor their work and share their passion, which represents the very best of the profession I am proud to be part of.
Jimmy Casas
Website: jimmycasas.com
Social media handle: @Casas_Jimmy
I often share that I have never met an educator who doesn’t want to be great, but I have met many who have lost their way over the years – just like I did early on in my career. My work today is based on one simple mantra – to inspire others to be more and do more than they ever thought possible. My hope is that in some small way I can support those who may find themselves on the edge of the couch, doubting themselves and wondering if their work is even making a difference, and help them find their way back to be the person they said they were going to be when they sat in the interview chair. I believe those individuals who have committed themselves to this wonderful profession are not only a gift to others, but a gift to humanity.
Annick Rauch
Website: annickrauch.ca
Social media handle: @annickrauch
Why I Celebrate Others
A spark may seem so small, so slight,
Yet fanned with care, it burns so bright.
A flame that warms, a light that shows,
The gift within each person grows.
I’ve known the gift of fire shared,
My own flame fanned because they cared.
And I, in turn, have fanned flames too,
For that’s what celebration can do.
When voices cheer and hearts believe,
We give far more than we receive.
For every fire that we ignite,
Creates a circle, warm and bright.
Dr. Sonia Matthew
Social media handle: @SoniaMatthew2
I remember struggling in college, but there was a counselor who saw something in me. Her powerful words, “If you can make an F, you can make an A,” resonated deeply. She didn’t have to spend a lot of time with me, but the quality of that time, grounded in her belief that I could succeed, changed the course of my life and fueled my desire to become a teacher. Now, as a school leader, I strive to multiply that same spirit of encouragement. It brings me immense joy to see others blossom and make a huge impact on our students, knowing that a life was changed. The transformation that happens when we, as educational leaders, lift others up is an incredible feeling. We should also be open to others who help us. Not only does it reward them, but it also fuels us to pay it forward and do the same for others.
Jennifer Casa-Todd
Website: jcasatodd.com
Social media handle: @JCasaTodd
Every year, at my former school, students go to an overnight camp at the beginning of the school year. Grade 9 students are mentored by grade 12 leaders and experience a variety of team building activities. On the first night, we have a campfire and a “light ceremony” where students are given a candle. Student leaders begin with one lit candle and students pass on the light of a candle to others until the entire area is illuminated. One of the main messages of this activity is that our candles don’t shine less when we help others light theirs; in fact they create light from darkness. Even before joining this school and its tradition, my philosophy has always been to celebrate others and help their light to shine more brightly. We sometimes look at the success, the beauty, the ideas of others and feel less than, when really, if we shift to celebrating others, it will help us feel joy and light in a world that can sometimes feel very dark; at least that’s what it does for me.
Kristen Nan
Website: Kristennan.com
Social media handle: @nankr1120
By celebrating others, life takes pause and goodness prevails. It’s the bright spot in a person’s day that radiates in its own unique way.
It comes in a smile
A sheepish grin
A sigh of relief
A little laughter
Life shifts, thoughts lift, and shoulders settle. That moment carries into the next, and their joy becomes someone else’s…
A child’s
A colleague’s
A parent’s
Yours
The impact of celebrating others is endless!
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth
Website: RDene915.com
Social media handle: @Rdene915
This is why I celebrate others…to live out the values that matter to me most. My THRIVE framework of Tenacity, Honesty, Relatability, Integrity, Vulnerability, and Empathy, reminds me that education is about who we are as people first. It is important to celebrate others as often as we can. It means recognizing and helping others to see their potential and the impact they make. It can be a quick interaction, a word of inspiration, that helps to lift others up. When we take a moment, no matter how small, to celebrate others authentically, we continue to build a learning community for everyone, that enables us all to truly thrive.
Elisabeth Bostwick
Website: elisabethbostwick.com
Social media handle: @elisabostwick
I celebrate others because I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone feels truly seen. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet word of belief or a moment of recognition to help someone step into their own potential. When we lift others up, we remind them that what they bring to the world matters — their voice, their perspective, their gifts. I’ve learned that confidence often grows from connection, from knowing that someone believes in us even before we do. Celebrating others isn’t just about kindness; it’s how we build the kind of communities where people can thrive, create, and lead with heart.
Tisha Richmond
Website: tisharichmond.com
Social media handle: @tishrich
“You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own.” This quote by DM Dellinger has taken on new meaning for me since returning to the high school culinary arts classroom this year. Being back with students has reminded me of the incredible privilege it is to help each one discover their unique magic and believe in their own potential. Every student carries something special within them, and when we take the time to celebrate that, we cultivate confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Lifting others up and recognizing their gifts transforms the learning environment into one filled with joy and connection. Teaching has reminded me that the greatest magic happens when students recognize the power of their own uniqueness and begin to believe in the incredible potential within them.
Livia Chan
Website: liviachan.com
Social media handle: @LiviaChanL
Celebrating others is a pure way to inspire genuine smiles, spread simple joy, and uplift hearts. Being a positive cheerleader for others is one of my favourite daily habits because it sparks reciprocal happiness that nurtures connection. Because I come from a sports background where high fives are common, this is my favorite celebration method for wins of any size. I love seeing people’s faces brighten when they receive one. Hand touches coupled with a warm smile provide affirmations that release positive hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins) in our brains. Each celebration is a deliberate act of recognizing their developing strengths, effort, and growth which reinforces their self-identity and empowers them towards further excellence. I noticed that people in my circles have picked up this practice of celebrating others through high fives too which makes my heart secretly smile big inside because my intentional uplifting and modelling are being valued. Give it a try and high five someone today!
Dr. Jorge Valenzuela
Website: www.edutopia.org/profile/jorge-valenzuela
Social media handle: @JorgeDoesPBL
As educators, celebrating others is extremely important. In our profession, we should consistently elevate students and colleagues above ourselves. We do this through how we live, teach, model, and contribute through our scholarly works. Our scholarship comes from our experiences and journeys, but ultimately, we create to advance the field of education and uplift others.
In my writings and posts on social media, I aim to uplift others by sharing collaborations and inviting educators to tell their story using their own voices. I also use my podcast as a platform to amplify the ideas of educators, highlighting their wins, insights, and stories that others need while moving our profession forward. I believe we were put here to help others, and that belief guides everything I do.
Moving Forward: Actionable Ideas to Celebrate Others
As I reflect on this 200th post, I am reminded of how a simple challenge to write and reflect grew into something much bigger, an opportunity to lift others up. Moving forward, here are three accessible, actionable ways leaders and educators can celebrate others in their own schools and districts:
- Shine a Spotlight
Don’t let great practices stay hidden in classrooms. Capture them and share them. For example, take a picture of a teacher modeling a new instructional strategy and feature it in your school newsletter or on social media with the teacher’s own words explaining the impact. This not only celebrates their expertise but also spreads ideas across the district, creating cross-pollination of practices and inspiring others to try something new. - Celebrate Growth, Not Just Milestones
Make it a norm to notice and name small wins. Highlight a student who bravely read aloud for the first time, or a team that collaborated to redesign a lesson. These recognitions could be as simple as a quick “shout-out” at a faculty meeting, a sticky note of encouragement left on a desk, or a hallway display that shows student or staff growth over time. By celebrating progress, you help build confidence, momentum, and a culture where effort and learning are valued. - Model Reflective Gratitude
Build structures that invite people to show appreciation. At the end of staff meetings, ask everyone to share one colleague they appreciate and why. Set up a digital gratitude board where teachers can post celebrations of peers. And in a central location, create a physical gratitude bulletin board where staff can leave handwritten notes of affirmation for one another. These visible acts of recognition build trust and connection, showing that celebration is part of the daily rhythm of school life.
Are you inspired to celebrate others? Let us know… leave a comment or tag me (@LaurenMKaufman) on social media and show us how you are celebrating others in your school communities!
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 