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Learning doesn’t stop once you have a diploma in hand or a framed degree on the wall. It shows up every day in how we teach, parent, and respond to life’s mishaps. While much of my work focuses on supporting educators' professional growth, learning itself has always been deeply personal. I’ve never really taken a break from the classroom- there’s just always more to learn. From preschool in 1994, to whenever you’re reading this now, I have found continual lessons and so much joy in any learning environment, which will always include our first classroom- our home. And, while I haven’t been around forever, I have noticed both subtle shifts and major modifications within these environments. Most notably, there has been a clear progression from the teacher as the single expert, authority, “do what I say or else” figure to the teacher as a true leader, thought partner, and guide. Instead of teachers being “Knowledge Gatekeepers” and deciding what to share and when to share it, they are now shifting to “Wisdom Warriors,” who help guide students towards sharing multiple perspectives, developing critical thinking skills, and providing support and structure along the way. The same shift is happening in parenting. For many of us, we are no longer saying, “Welp, that’s how I grew up, and I turned out fine.” Instead, we’re reflecting, “My parents did their best, and it wasn’t perfect. How can I do better for my babies?” Now, the tricky thing about that is: how do we teach in a way we never experienced as learners? How do we parent in a way that we never experienced as a child? How do we unlearn things that no longer serve us, both professionally and personally, and relearn in real time while raising/teaching/inspiring the next generation? The answer is simple, though perhaps uncomfortable. You…do it. Imperfectly. Honestly. Whole-heartedly. Children are intuitive sponges. They feel your energy. They know your message. They can discern the authenticity of whatever you’re trying to say before you even say it. So, when we’re learning and unlearning, the most powerful teaching we can give our children is to do it out loud. Simply model what it looks like to be unsure, vulnerable, and even completely clueless. We’re only human, after all.

The holidays are so tricky. How do teachers (or parents) balance the joy and glitz and glamour of the season with the weight of real-life expectations? How do we meaningfully participate in the sparkle of the season, yet acknowledge its very real shadow of impossible expectations, overwhelm, and “too-muchness”? I still don’t really have an answer, honestly. Once December 1st hit, I knew I was no longer Ms. John, Elementary Teacher. My seasonal role swiftly became mediator, chaos- coordinator, and Mrs. Claus all at the same time. Every year was a delicate balance of adding fun and silliness to our regular subjects, doing my best to maintain some semblance of order, and praying to the teaching goddesses that no one ruined Santa Claus for their peers—another impossible task to add to a teacher’s never-ending to-do list. We also must recognize the shadow of the season. Late November- January isn’t a happy time for many people- teachers included. I remember many years of having to visit people I wanted nothing to do with, walking on eggshells around family members, and feeling distinctly “Grinchy”. My mom also passed away on December 11, after a years-long battle with alcoholism, a few years ago. That December was anything but a perfect holiday. Through the grief and the anger, however, I did manage to find moments of pure joy. The note below was from a very sweet, feisty student with little regard for the norms in our classroom. She told it how it was and had no time for fluff. I always appreciated her unique take on the world, and this note meant more to me than she probably realized at the time. Though I was flattered that she thought I was amazing at math (which I am, third-grade math only), it was more touching that she expressed how I was amazing at “being kind”. Kindness is tough when you’re drowning in sadness and anger and confusion. Kindness takes patience and effort and a regulated nervous system- traits that are often in short supply during the holidays and even more so for me that year. This adorable kiddo helped me remember my greatest strength as a teacher and packaged it in the perfect way- a handwritten note.

Mondays are tough for humans. The shift from Sunday Scaries to Moody (Miserable, Manic- your choice here) Monday can feel clunky and awkward. It's like our bodies forget how to human every seven days to protect ourselves- much like labor pains or Daylight Savings Time. Monday energy was getting super sticky at my house and in my classroom. Like annoyingly awful. I was spending too much time dreading its arrival, then every hour of the day counting down until it was over. Then I did some math (chill, this math I can do). How was I supposed to spend 14% of my LIFE intentionally miserable? How dare I wake up in this adorable body that breathes and dances and dreams and allow my day to be abducted by feelings of ENNUI!? At first, I was a bit embarrassed. Then, perhaps a bit frustrated with myself. Then, there was simply no more time to waste. Hello, Magical Monday! Its premise? Simple. Treat everything and everyone as if they are pure magic. Wholeheartedly believe that you are going to witness and partake in whimsy today. Did you enjoy a fresh cup of coffee? Sweet! Did you experience a hug from someone you love? Awe... Did you have yet ANOTHER fantasy football victory this week? Yes? WOW! If you're feeling stuck, ask the children in your life. Children are full of magic. Jo used to leave notes and snacks for the fairies, and the fairies (Danny or me) would write back. Jo firmly believed in Santa for forever and the sparkle in her eyes around Christmas was pure joy. She even added her own "Rudolph nose" one year to fully immerse herself in the season (it was red Sharpie, I'd recommend anything other than permanent marker). What's even cooler, though? Jo now recognizes the magic that was shared with her, and insists on doing the same for her younger sister. This season has already been so fun because I get to witness my older babies creating magic for my youngest. So. Magic can happen literally whenever you decide to create it. Don't wait for a "special" day to experience fun and curiosity, and charm. Today is the most special because of YOU!