Let’s get started!
Action research is a thing educators are always doing, whether we realize we’re doing it or not. If you’re going to frequent this blog, you should think about some action research (or at least a fun party game) where you count how frequently we use the word “purpose”. We know it, we can’t help it. Just try your best to lean in…
When we started brainstorming what we really wanted to share, the question that repeatedly came to the surface was, “What’s important?”. For us, the answer is always some version of purpose. What’s the purpose of school? What’s the purpose of learning? What’s the purpose of teaching and/or the teacher? These are questions we implore you to start thinking about…they are so simple and yet the complexity of it all keeps us up at night. Just like anything meaningful, we can’t spoon-feed you the answers. Your experiences, your passion, and your values will guide you. We will be right here to ask the hard questions, to get you to think a little deeper, imagine something a little better, and become the best version of teaching.
We never want this blog to be a chore or feel like “homework”, but if you’re invested and want to improve your practice…maybe start a journal to write down your thoughts as you go. Today, write down (or just start thinking about) whatever comes to your mind first for these three questions:
What is the purpose of school?
What is the purpose of learning?
What is the purpose of teaching?
We’ll continue to dig deeper, so leave lots of room for doodles, scribbles, crossing out, and adding new ideas.
The reason we find ourselves stuck like glue to this word is because we truly believe in it. And knowing ours is one of the reasons we continue to team up to try and offer support and encouragement to teachers (especially those of you just getting started). We want to support your journey - your purpose. We want to create a positive space to come for guidance, encouragement, and new ideas. Sometimes we will provide strategies, sometimes we will leave you with something to think about - all pointed towards helping you remember and achieve your purpose. We want to explore new ideas and hope you will be open to that, too!
So happy you are here with us!