<Lucky-Privileged-Fortunate>

   Lucky?
   Hmmm. Close, but that feels too random.
   Privileged?
   Sort of, although that’s only part of it.
   Fortunate?
   Yes. Definitely.
   But that doesn’t quite have the energy in the word that I’m looking for either. I need something that captures the essence of all three of those things together!
 
   This week is staff appreciation week in Saskatchewan, and I am feeling very <lucky-privileged-AND-fortunate> to work with the amazing people that I do. This week is about them.
 
   When I even look back on the last week, without exception I saw adults learning everywhere: talking about the professional books they were reading; furthering their learning through workshops in areas of content, assessment, and leadership; contributing to groups on staff wellbeing, and brainstorming fun ideas for us to stay healthy together; talking to each other and seeking input and advice.
   Prioritizing children.
   Innovating and taking risks.
   Continually growing in their craft.
 
   That’s a lot of -ing words, and I didn’t write it in past tense on purpose because it is a continual process: the people in our building are learners, and are modeling themselves as learners.
 
   But that’s not all.
   I am also so <lucky-privileged-AND-fortunate> to be working in my other position with some of the smartest people I’ve ever met. They are also incredibly modest and would deflect the compliment, but it is true. The best learning happens in relationship and collaboration with other people, whether that is virtual or with someone across the hallway. It happens when we consider the experiences of other grade levels and subjects. It happens with feedback from mentors. It happens with critical self-reflection and goal setting.
 
   And to my collegial friends that are a bit farther away, or virtual educators that I will never meet, I learn from you as well. Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences. When we are honest and vulnerable (including on the internet!) it can leave us open to judgement or criticism, but it also allows others to learn and grow with us.
 
   I don’t know how many times in a week that the weight and scale and complexity of what we do as educators can feel crushing, but it is through the amazing teachers, EAs, teacher candidates, division-office leaders, administrators, substitutes…all of us together…that we continue to serve our students best.
 
   So on Staff Appreciation week, I am sending my appreciation out to each of you!
   What we do is important.
   YOU are important.
   Thank you for all that you do.
 
Edla.