CREATING THE TEACHING LIFE YOU WANT

Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize-winning novelist, passed away this past Monday.  If there is one quote of hers that sticks with me, it is the one in the above picture: "If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."  This is how I feel about life in general.  If you don't like your situation, you have the power to change it.  

When I look at our education system in the United States, I see elements that are working and those that clearly are not.  We have the power to create change by asking questions, sharing insights, and advocating for a better way.  Tuned in Teachers is a vehicle for change by putting teacher well-being at the top of the priority list.  Teachers cannot be effective if they are struggling.  We need to advocate for better systems that support the whole teacher at every stage of their career. 

Here are some questions you may consider asking the next time you are in a decision-making meeting at school:

• How might these changes affect a teacher's workload?
• If we add this to teachers' plates, what might we consider removing? 
• How can we ensure there is support along the way for teachers? 
• Do teachers feel psychologically safe?  If not, what steps should we take to make our environment one of open collaboration? 

What other questions should we be asking in order to advocate for teacher well-being?