Weekly Inspo Vids - Week Twenty Three
Hey hey,
I hope you all had a splendid week, even if it was hectic.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the busyness of the day. Like you, I have a “To Do” list a mile long in my head. It never seems to get shorter. As such, I’m often hurried from one part of the building to the next and not stopping to engage colleagues or students longer than a few seconds.
Since returning from the break, however, I’ve been running a little experiment. I’ve been more focused on connection than efficiency. I try not to worry if I miss a task or am 15 seconds late to a meeting. Instead, I try to really look a kid or coworker in the eyes, actively listen, and try to give a heartfelt response.
I’ve been doing this for about three weeks now. And, you know what? I feel less stressed and more at ease. I seem to have found pockets of extra time to get stuff done. I’ve hit the end of my days, and my task list has actually decreased.
I’m not sure what all that means, but I’ve found that by prioritizing people, the little details somehow fall into place. It’s been pretty cool.
Thanks for letting me ramble on there longer than usual. And just so you know, I don’t use AI to write my intros. It’s 100%, unfiltered Mike … for better or worse! (Someday, I’ll write a whole manifesto on why that’s important to me.)
I’ve taken enough of your time, so I won’t go on about the videos and PD this week. Check ‘em out! They’re great!
Much love,
Mike
P.S. I was stoked to see that over 90% of you would like to hear from me mid-week. Thanks for that! I’m not promising I’ll have time each week, but I’ll drop some bonus content whenever I’ve stumbled on something I think you’ll like!
Senseless Survey
Just for fun!
Weekly Video
Use in staff newsletters, encouraging emails, etc.
The Side of Teaching No One Sees
Possible Caption: Be a tugboat!
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Weekly Quote
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
Helen Keller
Weekly Emailable PD
Use in staff newsletters, emailable PD messages, etc.
Suggested Email Body:
This week is an invitation to pause with purpose.
In the moment, it’s easy to step in. A confused glance, a wrong turn, or a moment of silence can trigger our instinct to rescue. But new research suggests that the space just before we help is where deep learning begins.
This week’s resource explores how subtle shifts, like asking a question instead of offering a solution, can help students build confidence, persistence, and problem-solving skills. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best support is stepping back just long enough for students to step up.
