Both / And Stories

Honolulu, Hawaii

English Language Arts

Despite the tough start to the year, seeing my kids in person after 8 months (last semester and the beginning of this one) was such a gift. Yes, it was tiring, but seeing kids discover and teach each other new games and ways to connect with each despite wearing face masks, face shields, and having to stay distanced, was so inspiring. They used whiteboards and learned sign language to talk with each other. Ultimately, kids find a way to overcome. Overall, so many of our kids are so brilliant and resilient, it inspired me to push harder and support them.

Los Angeles, California

Paleontologist-turned-educator

In what has been a hard and tragic year, I have been able to witness so much strength and resilience through it as well. One that sticks out the most is witnessing so many of my BIPOC colleagues in education, especially my Black colleagues, continue to challenge systemic racism within the educational system. From Black Lives Matter student discussions to developing anti-racist curriculum to championing equity in education, my BIPOC colleagues have had to do all of this while still teaching, engaging their students interests, and doing it all virtually. Not to mention that the physical and emotional drain of having to challenge white supremacy in our school system is compounded by also having to be there for students and advocate for their well-being. It's an understatement that educators are undervalued and underpaid.

Yucatan, Mexico

Environmental education

When I see children's eyes, in their brightness you can see that they have hope. Students in our school’s High Performance program took advantage of the lockdown by building ponds at home and researching native fish. Others instead came as volunteers, helping with the care of the herbal garden or with the compost. But most of our families found in gardening a way to take refuge and try to regain the freedom of being in contact with nature. Witnessing these actions helped me reflect that human beings must cultivate in our hearts more love toward nature and our surroundings.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

High school English

We are re-imagining what school can be. Haven't we always yearned for more possibilities? Ideas that once seemed like dreams are possible now. All of the innovations are inspiring. Hearing educators and students talk about their mental well-being gives me hope that education is moving in a more sustainable direction. Students are writing about leaving toxic relationships. Teachers are talking about setting healthy boundaries. When people choose to love themselves, they are much better for humanity.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Science Educator

The pandemic has changed many parents’ employment situations. Many have lost their jobs or transitioned to primary caregivers, thus increasing the amount of student financial aid. Others have transitioned to a work-from-home arrangement which puts a strain on digital resources, (Wifi) especially when some households have multiple kids enrolled in online learning. These stressors are apparent in my students. During my 1:1 check-ins, I have observed that many have experienced compounding effects of these stressors and changes. They have voiced the stress that they are experiencing at home, and in witnessing these shifting family dynamics during the pandemic. This has changed how I support my students and has added additional considerations that need to be taken into account while teaching.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Middle school social studies

Throughout the challenging times of COVID I have moved beyond a mindset of scarcity. I want for nothing and therefore, I have everything. Prior to this shift, for some time I experienced survivor's remorse. Yes, I was locked in at home, but I was working, had a steady income, pivoted and was able to create opportunities for myself. With more abundance I have been able to support important economic and social causes my wife and I believe in. I want for nothing and therefore, I have everything.

Paris, France

Global education

The amazing community of educators worldwide who have stepped up with a driving sense of purpose providing hope to those around them and to those they teach. Taken out of their comfort zones for long periods of time to find new and inspiring ways to support and offer encouragement to their students. I am excited by the conversations regarding the reimagination of education. Hit the reset and focus on what matters. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow!” - Albert Einstein.