I think of spirals, circles and an attitude toward self, students, families ( including my own), colleagues and even the VDOE. So, maybe that’s item one: Being truly present to such a large and varied number of stakeholders requires serious self-care.

Next, in order to fully engage in self-care I need to really, truly understand myself. This is far from a simple task in a world of systematic oppression. I need to create space to find my way through the maze of messages that do not originate from me or my culture.

Last, some people are more equipped to work within school systems and regulations than others. There is no judgment in this statement. For myself, I learned that in order for me to work in a school at this time and in this place I would need to be in alignment with those in administrative roles.

Now she had taken off her goodness and left it behind her like a heap of rain-sodden clothes, and she only felt joy.

The Enchanted April, Elizabeth von Arnim

I also really appreciated our opportunities to build our own “tool kit!” I have more downloads, articles, links, etc from this class than any other! I plan to spend time after the semester ends reorganizing all it to use in my future career 😊🎉

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