All in Educator Jrneys

Journeys Into—And Beyond—The Classroom Walls

Journeys Into—And Beyond—The Classroom Walls

Jennifer D. Klein
Contributing Author, Educator Jrneys

All educators come to teaching for different reasons. Maybe it's because of an inspirational teacher or to have a lasting impact on the world. Perhaps the choice stems from turning something negative into something positive. The stories I share each week are meant to showcase pieces of these educational journeys. This week, I take you on a full journey from beginning to now. It's a real treat to see each step unfold into the story of someone who I admire very much and the perfect story to share at the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. Here's Jennifer's story...

No (Wo)man is an Island: Asking a Fish to Climb a Tree

No (Wo)man is an Island: Asking a Fish to Climb a Tree

Marialice Curran
Contributing Author, Educator Jrneys

Jrney is honored to be able to feature the third and final post in my #SWU series from Marialice Curran, reminding us all that identity is always evolving. It is the experiences we go through that make us into who we are. But in that process, sometimes our identity becomes stripped down to a label. Labels are harmful, yet we use them to make sense of the world. What if the only label we had was human? 

The Blank Middle: Cycle of Independence and Collaboration

The Blank Middle: Cycle of Independence and Collaboration

F. Margret Atkinson
Contributing Author, Educator Jrneys

The first time I talked to Margret Atkinson I knew we would be friends. She's just that type of person with an exuberance for life that you don't often find. Her energy is infectious, and I'm constantly inspired by her ability and genuine interest in connecting people to each other. I'm so honored to continue this week sharing journeys that I know we can all relate to. Here's her story...

Life as a Lone Soldier

Life as a Lone Soldier

Bronwyn Joyce
Contributing Author, Educator Jrneys

So often we try to take on the challenges of life alone. We tell ourselves that it will make us stronger, that we should be able to do it. But the truth is, we are so much stronger together, and Bronwyn Joyce's story this week reminds us that this is true. I'm feeling inspired to take on whatever comes my way this week, and I hope you are too!  

Origins of a Jrney

Origins of a Jrney

Erin Dowd
Curator, Educator Jrneys

In the spirit of sharing, and for you to get to know me a bit better, during the month of February, I’m going to share parts of my Jrney with you. I’ve lived a bit of an unconventional adult life, but I am a firm believer that each step along the way has brought me to exactly where I need to be right now.

So I’ll begin with a story about taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, share how travel has shaped me into the teacher and person I am, and how powerful student action can be. I’ll also challenge the role of the teacher and share with you one of my most challenging and transformative moments. I encourage you to follow along this month and add your own thoughts and reflections because the only way forward is together.

Changing, Growing, and Learning

Changing, Growing, and Learning

Juanita Zamudio Lemos
Pedagogy, Contributing Author, Educator Jrneys

Change can be hard, but Juanita has embraced it with open arms by bringing Project- Based Learning to her 1st- grade students. Along with her 1st- grade partner teacher and school community, she has facilitated engaging projects like Food Transformers with a focus on matter and learning about exotic foods and designing a new Olympic sport to teach forces and motion. Here's her perspective on the benefits of PBL.  

An Ox With a Plow

An Ox With a Plow

Erin Dowd
Curator, Educator Jrneys

How did I get here? I have often asked myself that question as I have gone about my adult life. Twists and turns based on seemingly small decisions have laid the groundwork for my life as it stands now and what lies ahead.