Inevitable/Optional by Esmeralda Estrada

Change is...

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 17:45:51 UTC

Verb

To make different
To replace with another
To become different

Noun

Alteration
Transformation
Substitution

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change)

Growth is...

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 17:49:53 UTC

Noun

progressive development
Evolution
A stage in the process of growing

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth)

My thoughts on Change vs Growth

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 18:08:15 UTC

To me, change is inevitable while growth is optional. We cannot avoid change because oftentimes it is out of our control. The brand of bread we buy is no longer available, so we have to pick a new one. We lose our job, so we get a new one. Our partner breaks up with us and so we must move on with our lives.

Growth, on the other hand, is something we must choose. If my partner breaks up with me, I can choose to jump into another relationship before I am ready, or I can choose to sit and be sad and pity myself. Or I can choose to focus on what I did well in the relationship and areas where I need to improve, and begin working on those things. I can take the time to heal, learn who I am on my own again, perhaps even go to therapy. Those are things I can choose to do to grow.

I believe this concept can be applied to most changes that occur in our lives.

How Learners React to Change

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 18:48:33 UTC

Because students are their own unique individuals, how they react to change will vary. Some students will be more open while others are resistant. However, if the educators initiating the change(s) have created an environment of innovation, been fostering growth mindsets, and empowering and encouraging their students rather than trying to control them, students are more likely to be receptive to the change(s).

How Educators Can Encourage Growth

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 18:56:05 UTC

This video examines how one school in Idaho is changing how they do things in their classrooms to encourage students to take ownership over their education.

As Educators, we must combine engagement with empowerment to maximize the growth of our students. According to our textbook, "Engaging students means getting kids excited about our content, interests, and curricula. Empowering students means giving kids the knowledge and skills to pursue their passions, interests, and future... In fact, people do not feel truly empowered unless they are engaged with their learning" (58).

How Do Educators React to Change?

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:04:50 UTC

Much like students, each educator is unique and will react to change differently. Those who have adopted a growth mindset will be more receptive and open, which means the change is more likely to yield positive outcomes, whereas educators with a fixed mindset will be resistant which will lead to poorer results.

Opportunities for Growth

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:07:36 UTC

This video explores how a school in New York is promoting collaboration between teachers to encourage growth and innovation in all of their classrooms.

If the school and district are open to change and growth and create an environment where it is welcomed and encouraged, teachers and staff are able to explore more and more likely to be receptive.

Growth mindset in Education

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:14:04 UTC

Stanford University discusses how a growth mindset is beneficial within education and how it can be cultivated within classrooms.

How Educators Can Build A Growth Mindset in their Students

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:17:33 UTC

Tips on Empowering Students

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:21:31 UTC

Encouragement to Empowerment

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:23:24 UTC

Helpful video on the distinction between encouragement and empowerment.

How To Seek Out Growth

sarahesmeralda12 — 2025-06-15 19:29:05 UTC

As an educator, or rather someone who works in education, I am constantly seeking out opportunities for growth. One of the easiest ways is speaking to my manager and asking if there are areas where I need to improve or if there are any additional tasks that I can learn or take on. I participate in professional development days. I am pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration to learn more about the environment that I am working in.

These are all ways I am seeking growth, and ways that other educators can also seek out growth. These are just a few examples that work for me, but there are plenty of opportunities available to fit each person's needs and preferences.