We have limits

It’s been a very long time since I did any writing here. There’s lots of different reasons like I was working on my PhD, I was starting teaching again and online and then I was starting teaching but in a classroom. I was working on other areas of my life such as developing healthy routines and working on relationships. All these are true and important.

I’m learning that there is a limit to what you can do in a given time. I can’t do it all. I’ve watched friends around me slowly try to do more and more as the pressures of teaching during a pandemic continued to add to their list of things To Do. On top of that, they are feeling the pressure of a society that is, at this very moment, very divided and confused. Teachers, and many people, feel abandoned as they try to figure out how to best do their work while lacking personal safety and care. The mental and physical toll has been immense. In order to take care of myself, I have been working to develop habits that will ensure I can do my absolute best each day. I’m now at a point where it feels right to step back into this space.

I’m trying to find a space between toxic positivity where someone spews nothing but positive pronouncements and doomsday armageddon. I believe neither is going to move us forward or help to move me forward in doing my work. Just so I’m clear, I believe in vaccination, masking, reducing exposure in public, and being careful about what we are doing as a society. I believe we all have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable and need to do what is necessary as a collective to keep everyone safe even if it means we, as individuals, are mildly inconvenienced.

Like other educators, I have my own limits to what I am willing to do and take part in at this time.

So Why Now?

So why start at this point?

For a few reasons. First, I believe that I have a perspective on the current condition of teaching and learning that is worth sharing. Not because I’m right but because my experience combines a vast array of different viewpoints that I believe are worth exploring. Secondly, there comes a point where one needs to step out and add their voice to the discussion. I know that I have a lot to learn as an educator but I have learned a lot that is worth adding to the current discussions about education. Finally, in order to make change, one has to be willing to engage with others and offer up ideas to bring forth movement. I do not believe there is ONE solution in education – ONE systematic way of doing things but I am certain that the current systems in place will not be able to adequately provide children with the learning opportunities they require to address the issues being created by our current social, economic, and political situations.

I also understand that as cis white male with children and a position of influence, I have privilege that many others do not have. By not stepping out, speaking up, and sending into the world, I am allowing others to continue to occupy the current systems of repression, racism, and domination that have brought us to this point in time. I believe we can do better but only if those of us who are able step forward and send our ideas into the world do so.

I honestly don’t know how often I can write in this space. Not because I don’t have something to say but because I continue to seek to find the necessary combination of habits that will allow me to thrive. I do know that I will be here on a regular basis, sharing what I can and working to develop my voice in the cacophony of the online world.

Until next time, remember, Every day is a PD day.

You Are Enough