It is easy to become isolated in our roles as educators and overwhelmed by the enormous pace of change in the world.  I hear the stories and see the obstacles to meaningful change within the schools and districts. At times it change can feel daunting and unbelievably slow. The truth is that when you are in it, it is hard to see the progress that is being made, but it is happening! To support one another in this process, just as much as we push change, we also need to celebrate progress.

I have found that connecting with those who lift you up and push you to be better is well worth the investment. In the book, Crossing the Unknown Seas, this passage sums up the power of a community that builds up one another so work can be taken on with purpose and joy.

“You know that the antidote to exhaustion is not necessarily rest?”

“The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.”

Educators are busy with life and work, and, no doubt, our plates are full. But when we connect with others to engage, learn, and grow, we can be filled with a sense of “wholeheartedness.” To continuously move forward, it is critical to have people to push you and affirm your path.

There is tremendous power in people, not just programs to make the changes we seek in our education system. The power is in the collective movement of those who are opening classroom doors, working within existing constraints and barriers, and building networks to continuously learn, share, and innovate.  I truly believe that we can collectively improve our education system by focusing on what’s possible and working together to make it happen.