Wow. That year flew by! Like many of you, we have been teetering in and out of pandemic stress in the Hooker household. We kept our youngest kids out of school until they were vaccinated making it the longest Spring Break ever. I started going back out to conferences, but I’m already seeing some cancel this spring. I’m not sure exactly what 2022 will hold (that post comes out tomorrow), but as always, I like to review and reflect on my predictions from last year.

Before I do that, I always like to highlight a couple of my biggest hits when it comes to predictions. As this was my 9th year of writing this post, some came to fruition eventually, while others didn’t.

A non-Apple Tablet will rule them all (2013)

Pearson will lose its testing contract in Texas (2015)

A Boba Fett movie will be announced (2018) – technically a series but ….

The 2020 election will be heavily influenced by TikTok (2020)

These were great but my biggest flop was not predicting a global pandemic in 2020 that would impact schools (and these predictions) greatly. With that, here’s a look back at my predictions from 2021 and how I would rate the outcome.

Prediction: The mega face-to-face conference dies…and is reborn as hybrid

Outcome: Close to spot on

If I’m being honest with myself, this isn’t that bold. I keynoted the NYSCATE and VSTE conferences late in 2021 and both had hybrid sessions being posted online. I think this will be the model of conferences forever going forward. There will always be a want for some sort of face-to-face element when it comes to conferences. (at least until the Metaverse is fully functional – hint at predictions for this year).

Prediction: Esports becomes a national varsity sport

Outcome: Not quite ready player one yet

The pandemic would surely bring a need for eSports as an option for schools around the country. I still see epic growth in this field but as of this writing, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and other sports are still king.

Prediction: Every high school will offer high-quality online options from now on

Outcome: Not quite online

I think this one will be accurate in 3-5 years. With the growing national teacher shortage looming, this will become more of a need as schools try and figure out creative ways to offer unique courses to their students. If you think about it, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to only offer courses based on what teachers can teach it in your geographic area. With some creative funding and programs like Rex Academy’s online CS teachers, there’s no reason why this can’t eventually happen. Students can do these classes at any time and if they still need to go into an actual building, there can be an adult monitoring a computer lab full of virtual students.

Bad weather days become obsolete

Outcome: partly sunny

This one ties heavily into the previous prediction. Here in Texas we faced a “Snowpocalypse” that meant we were out of school for almost two weeks. My kids were attending virtually and were able to carry on for the most part, but a new issue came as a result of the weather; Lack of internet. I’ll call this one mostly true, with a realization that in really bad weather, the lack of internet could be the disruptor for learning. Plus, sometimes we all need a mental health day now and then.

Prediction: Classroom air quality becomes a priority

Outcome: Breathing a little easier

With the arrival of ESSER funds dedicated to upgrading school filter systems in the spring of 2021, this prediction was almost nailed. But then in November, the federal government passed an infrastructure bill that no longer had $100 billion dollars in it dedicated to upgrading old school buildings and portables. So while we should be able to breathe a little easier, we still have to look up at those water-stained, moldy ceiling tiles.

Prediction: The Roaring 20’s will be a thing

Outcome: I see more people dancing…on TikTok

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a bunch of people to be running around in flapper dresses and sequin ruffle skirts. With the pandemic still hanging around like an in-law overstaying their holiday welcome, I think there is still time for the Greater Gatsby to make an appearance this decade. I will say this, from my brief encounters at social events at two conferences, people are ready to get out and move. But in the mean time, just watch them dance on TikTok.

Prediction: Schools will adopt a “racial justice” curriculum

Outcome: We still have a long way to go

I had no idea the political hotbed this issue would raise this past year. When parents weren’t yelling at school boards about mask policies, they were yelling about DEI. Honestly, with the political turmoil in this country, I only see this happening in certain parts of the country. It’s sad too, because if we are truly trying to raise a nation of critical thinkers, how can we do this without having a hard conversation about our country’s racial past?

Prediction: The Hot Ones episode of UnDisruptEd goes viral

Outcomes: Flamed out

Every tech leaders favorite podcast UnDisruptEd did a lot of different things in the first 4 seasons. But one thing it didn’t do was go viral. This video still only has 155 views as of this writing and I’m pretty sure half came from our kids watching their dads cry on camera. That said, something else unexpected happened with the podcast; Adam and I got to do it as a keynote live! We opened up the Confluence event and VSTE with a live and interactive version of our podcast to thunderous and at times awkward applause.

Prediction: 90% of face-to-face meetings will be eliminated in education

Outcome: Let’s have a meeting to discuss this

I don’t know that we’ll ever see a time where this happens completely (Metaverse anyone?), but I there has been an increasing acceptance in attending meetings virtually. I think as leadership changes in future years and Millennials start to take over, this will become much more of a norm.

Prediction: There will be a Star Wars spinoff about a school on Tatooine

Outcome: Failing grade

I’m still hopeful we’ll get to see little Grogu go to Jedi school on the next Mandalorian, but this one is doubtful. Maybe it’s time for someone to finally open up a Star Wars themed school?

Prediction: I finally write and publish my children’s book

Outcome: It’s a failure…but….

I never would have predicted that I would be spending a large part of 2021 writing a book about failure. But that’s what happened. Later this month my new book Ready Set FAIL will hit the Amazon book store (preorder here). It’s somewhat appropriate that my failure in writing a children’s book would actually become a book. My new book explores all the science behind why it’s important to let kids (and adults) take risks and fail. I loaded it with stories of my own failures and also included strategies and activities for encouraging more of this concept in schools. After all, failure makes a great teacher.

As I look back at my predictions from 2021, I don’t feel like there were any that were particularly bold. My goal for this year’s predictions is to really ramp up the risk and see where it leads. Stay tuned!

I, Matthew X. Joseph, have worked in public education since graduating from Springfield College in 1993. For the past 17 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a school and building leader. One thing all schools have in common (besides the need to stay away from the break room around the holidays if you are on a diet) is how compassionate and devoted educators are to making a positive difference in children’s lives. Unfortunately, due to their compassion and drive, another common thread for all educators is burnout. My goal in writing this was to share with other educators the importance of being present and maximizing things we sometimes take for granted.  Two weeks ago I received my new book, Stronger Together , in the mail, I picked it up, looked at it, and thought, “Okay, what’s next?” I never even took a moment to celebrate the accomplishment. Being more present is something I’ve never been good at. Being present is now more important than ever; we can’t always count on the next event.

When I can be reflective, I learn best. That is why I write. And I am sharing these words to support other educators who may be experiencing the same, constant “What’s next?” feeling. Trying to be more present can be hard. For me, to be present, I like to collaborate. Collaboration allows me to focus because someone else is relying on me to be the best I can be. One of the individuals I like to collaborate with is mental health advocate Christine Ravesi-Weinstein, author of the book Fighting Your Inner Voice . Together, we want to share strategies you can use to be more present and give others the best version of yourself possible.

Too many educators are not as equipped for the social/emotional learning (SEL) demands of today’s classroom: high-stakes testing, m犀利士
ental illness, severe trauma, and a constant “Go! Go! Go!” mentality. With many high-stress days, educators can feel discouraged, burnt out, and ready to quit. During these uncertain times, it’s essential to find ways to manage fear and anxiety to alleviating day-to-day stressors. We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many higher education institutions on teacher preparation throughout our careers in education. Most teacher training programs focus primarily on content and pedagogy; they overlook the social, emotional, and cognitive demands of teaching. We need to draw awareness to educators’ social/emotional needs and promote calm, relaxed, and enlivened classroom environments.

Educators are always thinking about homework, assessments, projects, grades, lesson plans, conferences, etc. Now they’re also focused on Zoom, EdTech tools, and connecting and ensuring engagement from home. They’re understandably focused on and driven by the day-to-day parts of the classroom and don’t often take a step back and consider whether or not they’re teaching effectively. Present is a word that serves as a constant reminder for us to slow down and enjoy the moment. But today, our “present” looks significantly different than it did months ago. Worry and anxiety about all the possible “what ifs” right now aren’t helping us stay focused on the moments happening right before us. Since life today is filled with changes that can be unsettling, here are some suggestions for educators to help you maintain a sense of focus in the present.

Celebrate small wins.

It’s important to celebrate small achievements. We often celebrate holidays, birthdays, or advancements in a career, but what about the regular accomplishments? Finally, grading a stack of papers that have been sitting in your bag for a week, submitting your evaluation evidence after a year’s worth of collection, sending a parent email you’ve been dreading; all of these things are accomplishments and deserve to be celebrated too. Maybe you participated in virtual PD or created a Flipgrid for the first time. We are always working in overdrive and looking forward, we tend to ignore these small accomplishments. But when that happens, we miss out on a lot of happiness in our lives. Small wins are opportunities to reflect on how far we’ve come, which gives us the strength to stay inspired.

Identify the moment you are in.

Take a minute to reflect and identify the moment you’re currently in. Focus on your surroundings and your current state. Most of us are never fully present in our lives because we continually get distracted. Our focus may be on one thing for a few moments, but suddenly another idea, question, or task comes up, and we’re onto the next thing. Try thinking about what you physically see around you. Consider sounds you might not normally hear. Try focusing on something you can smell. What is it that you can physically feel? Identify the moment you are in, minimize distractions, and make a conscious effort to make the most of the PRESENT.

Listen without intending to respond.

When you’re engaged in conversation, do you listen, or are you more focused on what to say next? Usually, we’re only half-listening because we’re already thinking about our own stories and what we can add to the dialogue. Instead of thinking about what to say, be more PRESENT in your conversations and think about what you hear. By merely listening with curiosity, rather than anticipation, you will be inherently more present.

Be okay with not knowing all of the answers.

Part of the reason we get so caught up in the unknown is that we want all of the answers to our questions immediately. We feel inept for not knowing how to handle certain situations, which only leads to self-criticism and self-doubt. The less you try to attain the answers, the more likely they are to come to you. Sit in the moment and be okay with unanswered questions.

Listen to your body.

It’s easy to start thinking that you need to eat a certain way or exercise for a certain amount of time because you see other people doing it. One of the best ways that you can be PRESENT in your life is to listen to what your body is telling you. Are you craving a particular food? Eat it. Does a run sound fun? Go for one. Do you want nothing more than to sit on the couch and watch a movie? Do it. Your body will let you know when it wants to move and when it needs rest.

Get away from the digital world.

We have been fully engrossed online during remote learning. However, taking a break can be powerful. Spend time away from your phone and computer every day. Read, write, go for a walk, or eat your lunch without an electronic device nearby. Do something daily that doesn’t require a connection to the internet. Consider getting a watch to check the time so that when you go to do so on your phone, you’re not compelled to check your messages. Furthermore, consider shutting off all but the critical notifications on your device. The fear of missing out keeps us tied to our phones. The truth is that being attached to email means we’re missing out on something even more critical — ourselves and the moment right in front of us.

Declutter your desk/office/workspace

Messiness affects us because it reminds us of unfinished business. The stacks of folders, papers, books, random wires in the closet, and old mail affect us more than we think and prevent us from being PRESENT. Even when we shove the mess in a drawer, we know the stuff is there, waiting for us. It’s hard to be PRESENT in a cluttered space.

Being present is a wonderful thing. It relieves stress caused by focusing on failures of the past and worries of the future.

These recent two school years have brought many of us to the realization that reaching ALL students is challenging, but more critical than ever.  We use strategies to individualize instruction and make student thinking visible.  Believe me, typing that sentence is far easier than putting it into practice.  To that end, I like MindTools.com. It is a website designed for professionals to improve functionality on their teams and in their business. They have a membership offering on their website, of course – but even if you only read 3 articles (that’s how many you can access for free), you’ll be inspired as a K12Leader to find new ways of reaching learners in your community.

Ironically, I was in a webinar (on Student Data Privacy) and we were talking about different strategies to use in adult Professional Development. The idea of Brainwriting came up as a tool that works better than brainstorming because everyone has a voice and the opportunity to contribute.  It becomes quickly apparent – this strategy is not limited to PD.  Think about staff meetings, working with students, engaging parents….and more!

After the webinar was over, I did some Googling, read a few articles online about Brainwriting and really like the concept. It reminded me of the SEI strategy many of us learn called a “Write Around”.  Whether done on paper or online, the idea of Brainwriting is to pose a question with the hopes of generating many ideas.  Individuals jot their answers down, and then they move on to another paper/document to read others’ ideas.  This ongoing exchange helps to propagate more creative thoughts and allows everyone to participate and be heard.

While you are on the MindTools site, be sure to check out a couple more strategies that draw your attention. I am always excited by how we can take “corporate practices” and make them super relevant in K12 education.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newct_86.htm

What do you think? How can this strategy (or others) be used in your K12Leader role?

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

There are many different characteristics and traits of a good leader, including learning how to recognize missteps.

Over this past month I’ve had conversations with districts from coast-to-coast that are at a breaking point. District leaders are taking previously unheard-of steps to try to head off… no, it’s too late for that… to catch up to the stress that’s crushing the spirits of educators.

The stresses that set upon our educational system were more apparent in the 2020/21 school year… parents, employers, and whole communities felt the impact of at-home schooling and the ever-present concern of Covid.  The stress was identifiable, and the prayers for things to get back to normal were audible on everyone’s lips.

And now teachers and students are back in the classroom. Parents are back to work… still often from home. And the kids? Well to quote one assistant principal from Massachusetts, “As a disciplinarian, this is without a doubt the most trying return to school we’ve ever experienced. The amount of discipline issues we’re dealing with that were intense, large discipline issues – vandalism, violence, threats – was not something that I was at all prepared for… The number of students in dire need of counseling is off the charts.”

We <were> worried if kids were going to wear masks… but it’s clearly bigger than that.

After the nation has made herculean efforts to return to the classroom this year, a district in Oregon has voluntarily sent kids back to online learning for 2 weeks because of extraordinary behavior issues.

Another east-coast school has decided to give their staff back their PD time, allowing teachers to take that time to try to just “do what they need” because everyone is already burnt out and just “not doing well.”

We know that in the before times, teaching was stressful for a variety of reasons… lack of respect, systematic shortcomings, emotional investment, financial stress. None of that has changed. But add to that the stress and frustration from the last 2 years and the new behavioral issues that are so prevalent as students readjust to being back together, and the sum total is something we’ve never seen before.

As a result, Florida is seeing a 65% increase in staff shortages. Similar shortages are documented in California, Texas, and South Dakota.  And there are seemingly infinite anecdotal accounts from other states as well.

Is there any good news?  Well… this is where leadership comes in. On the surface, things sure are grim. But that assistant principal from Massachusetts? She continues… “The number of students vocalizing their need for assistance is also a lot higher, so given the state of the kids upon their return I try to remind myself that their calling out for help is actually a positive.”

A superintendent from Missouri shared that “Coming out of the school board meeting, you’d think that social and emotional support has always been our first priority.”

Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, an applied developmental psychologist from the University of British Columbia, puts it this way, “District leaders might say that SEL is just another thing on the plate… but SEL IS the plate.”

So that we’re beginning to understand the importance of ensuring student’s emotional well-being ahead of mandated instruction is a very good thing.  As evidence of that new emphasis, some companies, like Edsby.com, are embedding SEL check-ins into their learning platforms.  And the number of districts taking SEL programs like Goldie Hawn’s MindUP Foundation seriously are on the rise.  Those are really positive signs.

But those efforts alone don’t address the stress that teachers are feeling, and the repercussions that will manifest in further te樂威壯
aching shortages are still swelling on the horizon.

As leaders, where do you see your districts taking steps to address that?  Is this a matter of time and “getting back to normal,” or are you starting to see what a “new normal” is going to look like?

Notes & Sources

School Leaders Take Note: Teacher Care is a Lot More Than Self-Care: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-11-02-school-leaders-take-note-teacher-care-is-a-lot-more-than-self-car

Why So Many Teachers Are Thinking of Quitting

https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2021/10/18/teachers-resign-pandemic/

No, the teachers are not okay: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/10/20/teachers-are-not-okay/

How the pandemic is still affecting educators in 2021:

https://www.edsby.com/how-the-pandemic-is-still-affecting-educators-in-2021/?locale=en

MindUP: https://mindup.org

Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl: https://sel.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/dr-kimberly-schonert-reichl/

Florida Education Association:  https://feaweb.org/issues-action/teacher-and-staff-shortage/

Fort Worth Start Telegram: https://account.star-telegram.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=254267518&intcid=ab_archive

Learning Policy Institute: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/product-files/California_COVID_Teacher_Workforce_REPORT.pdf

Rapid City School District Looking to Fill 120 Open Positions: https://www.keloland.com/news/education/rapid-city-school-district-looking-to-fill-120-open-positions/

As I entered high school, I felt confident about the transition and fitting in with my classmates. After a successful three years in middle school, I fearlessly entered high school in 1984, making friends and becoming somewhat popular. PHS (Pittsfield High School), here comes X-Man. I felt I knew something about everything. That sounds about how most High School kids act, right? At least the boys who have this bravado for no reason whatsoever. I was cranking my Beastie Boys and NWA, thinking Pittsfield High School was lucky to have me. There is a difference between confidence and cockiness. By my sophomore year, I was a solid B student (doing jus威而鋼 t enough to get by), on the varsity basketball and football team, and believing things were going my way. This feeling is giving me a false sense of who I am and what I could accomplish. Sadly, there are many examples of how this belief got me into some sticky situations, but none more than me thinking I could ride my bike from Pittsfield to the Albany Mall. For those who don’t know Western MA and Albany area, it is a 49-mile drive on two highways and takes about 60 minutes in a car. My friend “Spaz” and I wanted to spend the day hanging at a “cool” mall since Pittsfield’s mall was only a few shops.

So here is how an overconfident high school sophomore thinks.

• I have been practicing football five days a week, so I am in shape.
• A car gets to the Albany Mall in an hour, driving 60 MPH, and at the gym, I can ride the bike 30 MPS. So with that math, it should take us two hours to ride 50 miles. We practiced for two hours in football so we thought we could do it.
• We don’t need a map (cell phones are about ten years away) because we will follow the signs we saw when my mom drove us before.
• Sleep the night before at my dad’s because he never checks or asks what I do. I might as well take advantage of this time he is out of jail. God knows when he will be back in, and my mom would never let us do this.

SO, Spaz and I sleep at my dad’s. We stay up watching movies all night. We figured if we left at 8:00 am, got there for 10 am – hang out for a few hours and ride home for 4:00 pm practice. Mom will never know. Perfect plan. 

Well, not so much. Here is what us dumbos didn’t think about for each of the points above.

• In shape to run and catch a football are very different from being able to ride 50 miles on the road.
• 30 MPS on a stationary bike riding for 30 minutes is WAY different than riding an old beat-up 10-speed for 50-miles. Oh, and NO HILLS on the gym bike. They do call the area I grew up in “The Berkshire Hills.”
• Bikes can’t go on high ways. Who knew. We didn’t. So no signs on back roads and WAY more than 50 miles.
• Dad had no clue where we were, in this case, NOT a good idea.

Our 120-minute ride turned into 4+ hours of getting lost, riding on a rim (tire blew and didn’t have a spare), and no money since we spent all we had on water and food on this crazy journey. So, I had to make a collect call to my dad. Yes, that is a real thing, By the way. I was crying, tired, broke, and asked him to pick us up. If he left right away, he might be able to get us and back for the start of practice. His answer, one I will never forget. 

“They must have a bike shop at the mall.”

His answer was essential to get my bike fixed and ride 5 hours home in the dark, not knowing how to get home. After more begging, he agreed to come. He gets there in time to get us back for the start of practice. YES! Ummmmm, wait a minute, what is happening? He parks and goes into the mall. Spaz and I look at each other confused. He went into Applebees and saddled up to the bar. He had dinner and a few drinks. After his dinner, he threw the bikes in the back of the truck, and Spaz and I had to ride in the back too. Good call dad, two teenagers riding an hour in the back of a truck.

So, needless to say, I didn’t make practice; my mom called the police since I was “missing” because the coach didn’t know where I was, and my dad showed his true colors. Great day. And boy, was I grounded after that road trip.

The relationships in my life who had my best interests were worried and trying to find me, and the selfish relationship had a burger and a beer.

Besides learning the difference between cocky and confident, I realized that not all relationships are created equal. We have all had a “bad match” at work with a colleague or boss. My story is a reminder that a “bad match” or a bad relationship at work does not define you. I went on to college and since become successful in the field. My dad did not define me. To this day he never went to any of my three graduations. However, my drive to success is not held back by bad relationships (and I have had others like poor superintendents or colleagues). They only fuel me. What drives me are the people in my life who lift me up, NOT bring me down. My story urges you to focus on those around you who lift you up AND be that person for someone. Oh, and don’t ride your bike to a mall 49 miles away. 

I came across this website and video and it piqued my interest. I have a good amount of Swedish DNA and who doesn’t love a tiny cabin drenched in sunshine!??!

As it often happens, I thought of you! Now, I don’t have a couple rustic cabins in Sweden to bring my few readers to. And my guess is that you don’t have 72 hours to devote to such an experiment…

Let’s face it, though: This school year isn’t any easier than the last. The bright spots have moved, the challenges have changed, but the exhaustion and overwhelm are just as present as ever.

So, regardless of whether you are in Sweden, I want you to consider these questions:

Where is YOUR Swedish cabin? Where can you go and feel content and relaxed whilst also being unplugged? Tonight for me it was an Adirondack chair my son built next to a one-match fire I built.

What does unplugging mean to you? For me it means shutting off notifications, staying off social media when it makes me feel icky and giving my exhausted eyes a break.

How do you connect with Nature? It could be as active as going kayaking, biking or hiking. It could be that comfy chaise lounge near an open window where you feel the breeze and hear the birds.

How will you notice the benefit? A big part of this experiment is the data collected before and after. You might not be measuring your blood pressure…. but how are your stress levels? Are you more relaxed? Measure what matters to you.

Be sure to report back!

I’m kidding. This is all for you.

med vänliga hälsningar,
Suzy