I lugged two big LL Bean bags with me to the coffee shop, and I've got 4 minutes before a coaching session. I grab the seat near the window sill and take up a lot of space, sorting books into 4 stacks, aligned to my client's working definition of culturally inclusive teaching:
I skim through our shared note doc - she's done a lot of prep work for our PD planning session today. Her commitment to meeting teachers where they are impresses me; this year has been filled with a title change, more responsibilities, challenging adult and student behavior - microaggressions and big events that create big frustrations. Yet she centers herself, grounds herself, believes in the power of the work she's doing, and I know our coaching is a source of positivity, solutioning, and hope, so I work to always bring my best self.
I see some folks giving me a strange look as I finish sorting the books. Maybe they wonder who brings 50 books to a meeting. Maybe they don't love Ibram Kendi or Alex Venet or Mica Pollock like we do! Never mind those looks. My coachee texts that she's on her way. Time to close this computer, take a few cleansing breaths to center myself, ground myself, believe in the power of the work we're doing.
What a perfect echo: "...believe in the power of the work she's [I'm] doing." The two of you create a strong "we." I know it was a win for you both.
ReplyDeleteThanks for noticing that, Patricia. I'm trying to "up" my craft game, and it feels good that you noticed :) (AND - we had a great coaching session!)
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