Today We Tackle: Global Education and the SDGs

This month, I wanted to focus on stories about what's best for kids. Last week's story focused on building relationships and being a support system and advocate. This week, we go global with teaching the Sustainable Development Goals. Ryan found me and sent his story immediately, and I can understand why. He's doing really incredible things with his students. The true beauty of it is that not only is he preparing them for life beyond his classroom, but he is able to create an interdisciplinary learning environment steeped in meaning and authenticity. Here's Ryan Churchward's story...

Journeys Into—And Beyond—The Classroom Walls

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...

Birth of the Pulse Program

Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise promotes healthy growth, strong muscles, decreased risk of illness, But in addition to the physical benefits, physical activity helps kids manages stress, make connections to different parts of their brain, and even improves sleep among others. But it's rare that physical activity gets integrated into the school day outside of PE class. Peter Hede saw that as a challenge he wanted to take and began partnering with schools to make it a reality. Here's his story of how the Pulse Program came to be...

The Kindness Project

When I think about Earth Day, I think about actions like picking up trash around my community, helping animals, or making decisions to reduce my consumption footprint on the world. In essence, it’s about conservation. But how do we get to a place where everyone understands the importance of conserving the planet’s resources? According to our guest author this week, Nam Ngo Thanh, it all begins with kindness. So on this Earth Day, JRNEY is happy to feature a story about the origins of the  Kindness Project and how you can get involved.

#EdPins: Highlighting the Beautiful, Unique Work in Every School

There are many ways to share a story. Educators from around the world contribute to JRNEY every week. While I'm partial to the written word, often in long form, I'm always excited when I come across innovative ways to share stories using technology. I found that in Dale Plotzki's #EdPins. We live and die by reviews these days, so why not focus on the wonderful, fun, powerful, meaningful, and authentic, projects and learning going on at our schools throughout the world. You don't always have to have a video conference to bring the world into your classroom. Sometimes you do it like this. Here's Dale's story...

Engineering Brightness

This month, the JRNEY blog focuses on the importance of partnerships, and the first story is a great one. I had the opportunity to talk to Tracey Winey a few weeks ago, and I was so impressed with her commitment to equity for everyone involved in Engineering Brightness. She believes strongly that everyone deserves a voice at the table and that problems are solved when we all work together. So here's the story of how Engineering Brightness began and the impact its participants are having all over the world.

An Invitation to Lead

Sometimes all it takes is an invitation. In my case, it was an invitation to lead and the support to do it in my own way. Here's my story of how I went from being a leader in my school to a leader beyond. 

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

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 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

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!  

Metacognitive Reflection Before Lunch

I decided to switch gears this week at the last moment. I was going to write about travel and how it has made me a stronger teacher, but I think that is a story for another day. I’ve been thinking a lot about student voice this month particularly this week as I’ve watched Florida high school students and teachers all over the country speaking out and taking action to make schools a safer place. I remembered a lesson from the same group of students I have been writing about this month, and it seemed fitting to round out the month with a story about student-directed reflection. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back and watch what unfolds.