In person or virtual? 6 feet or 3 feet? Touch or no touch? Mask or no mask? Gloves or no gloves? Change, change, change. In education we often look at change as positive (i.e., an opportunity to grow, develop, and make things better). I find most educators aren’t opposed to change as long as they see a benefit to students. However, when change dictates that we teach in a way contrary to what we know is best for children, it knocks us a bit off kilter. This may sound negative,

Angry, frustrated, fearful, anxious, uncertain, insecure, hesitant. These are all words I am hearing from educators these days as we consider how to open school this fall. You may be experiencing some of these emotions. The situation many of us find ourselves in seems nearly impossible to navigate. There are multiple sides to the issues educators are tackling, and all positions have merit. There doesn’t seem to be a right answer. Before going any further, I think it is import

I decided to head out on a walk today in the late afternoon. It was hot! I live in Texas, so enough said. The heat was accompanied by bright sunshine and a light wind which rejuvenated me. I grew up in Southwest Kansas, and it was always hot and windy in the summers. Add to that my ceaseless tennis playing, and I became quite accustomed to the heat; in fact, I actually enjoyed it. This is changing as I get older, but I was determined not to focus on the temperature. “Happy t

I was having a conversation with a friend several weeks ago, and she made a comment that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind. I really can’t recall the exact details of what we were discussing, but I do distinctly remember this statement: “Well, people can say they are a Christian, but the bigger question is this— Is Jesus Lord?” This one statement has genuinely challenged me to think deeply about the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my own life. It’s easy to wear the labe

I have to be honest; this week’s blog was a challenge for me. I have a great deal on my mind right now, and every time I started on a topic, I would stall. God seemed to be blocking all of my great ideas (tongue in cheek)! After about the fifth stop and start, I quietly said, “What do you want me to write about, Lord?” The answer I heard in my heart was, “Tell them how I am providing for you. Tell them about my provision.” The words were not audible, but they were clear. I b

We could all use a little encouragement these days. Amid unrest and uncertainty there are so many questions and so few answers. As Christian educators, what is our role in all of this? When questions like this arise that seem unanswerable, we need to seek guidance in God’s Word. I truly believe the Holy Spirit reveals the answers for every single question we have in the Word of God. As I was completing my reading of the Book of Acts during my quiet time, an answer to my quest

Have you ever been “over the moon” about something? If my daughters heard me use that expression, they would probably inform me that no one says that anymore! I just couldn’t think of another expression that adequately describes my excitement and enthusiasm for a calling God has placed on my heart. It is no secret that I have been burdened by the racial unrest in our country. I have found myself wondering what I could do to be part of the solution. I want to do my part and ha

By now everyone is out of school, and summer has officially begun. Unlike other summers, this one feels different. The cloud of uncertainty hovering over the upcoming school year has left everyone feeling a bit anxious. Endless unanswered questions and constant conversations have fueled apprehension to the point where some are wondering if it is all worth it. Social media is full of comments that reflect this attitude. · “ This isn’t what I signed up for.” · “It is next to im

This week's blog is written by my dear friend, Keisha Hill. The first step in moving forward and being the best for our students is to get honest with ourselves. Keisha's beautifully crafted words demonstrate this for us. However, she takes it a step further because she was willing to be vulnerable and share it with all of you. As Christian educators we must seek to understand and listen to all voices, especially voices of those who are different than us. May Keisha's words

As educators we all know our students have to “do the work” if they want to learn. Some try to learn by osmosis but quickly find out that doesn’t work! We also know learning is a life-long process. I can remember years ago when I finished my Master’s degree; I felt quite proud and smart! The following weekend I attended an educational conference and was overwhelmed with new information. Needless to say, I fell off my high-horse. You know what the Bible says—pride comes before

As I pen this blog, many educators have just completed or are in the process of completing one of the most unusual school years in history. Three months ago none of us could have predicted how our lives and the lives of our students would change. I don’t know about you, but for me it has been exhausting—probably more emotionally draining than anything. Add to this the events of this past week regarding another senseless loss of a black American, and many find their emotions r

It’s graduation time! Even though seniors all over our country are having to find alternative ways to celebrate, graduation is an opportunity to recognize past accomplishments and look forward to the future with anticipation. When our daughters graduated from high school, we spent hours combing through old photos to display during their graduation parties. Thinking back over those years was cathartic. My emotions were all over the place as I recalled times of joy and times of

As the school year draws to a close, conversations are quickly heating up regarding next year. Everyone is weighing in—politicians, doctors, psychologists, economists, employers, educators, parents—each with their own legitimate argument as to what schools should do. As the voices get louder and louder, one voice seems to be missing—the children. Schools have always been a safe haven for children, especially for children of poverty. Closing schools has stripped our children o

Without a doubt this has been the most memorable May I have experienced in a long time. I feel quite certain most of us will look back on the spring of 2020 as a time in our lives when something changed. Everything has been impacted in one way or another—our jobs, our relationships, our schedules, our thoughts—even our sleep! It seems no stone has gone unturned. One thing is for certain; we are all making memories! To be honest when the announcement was first made that we wou

Ever wonder why it is so hard to be patient? Maybe you are patient, and this is just my problem! While I think I was probably born impatient, much has happened in our world during our lifetimes to foster an instant gratification mindset. Think about it. The home computer was created in 1977. This was followed by the Internet in 1983. Then came Amazon in 1994, social media in 1997, and the I-phone in 2007. It seems like we don’t have to wait for much of anything these days. Ev

Weary. This is beginning to reflect how many are feeling these days. For educators, trying to navigate this time of uncertainty while simultaneously attempting to teach in an online environment can be exhausting. As self-isolation and social distancing drags on, our hearts are longing for connection. There is an emptiness of sorts. We have been emptied of daily routines, sense of normalcy, face-to-face connections, and for some, financial security. When emptiness occurs, we h

Like most of you, I initially did not consider this time of isolation as a “gift.” The change in our lives has been sudden and unexpected, and while change is good, this doesn’t feel good. It has been hard. The threat of the virus is real, and some have lost loved ones they can’t even mourn in person. Many have lost their jobs. Teachers have been thrown into a new world of attempting to teach online while managing their own families. Many educators are exhausted and worry abo

My husband and I have been married 37 years. I can honestly say I love him more today than I did in our early years. It hasn’t all been pretty. We have had our “seasons” just like everyone else, but for the most part our relationship has been uncomplicated. I have never once doubted his love for me. Being loved unconditionally makes me better, and because of this, it is easy to love him back. Love is the glue that has held us together through conflict, loss, uncertainty, and

How is your thought life these days? Mine is a bit all over the place. No matter your situation, we all find ourselves pondering unwelcome scenarios. · What happens if the virus continues to spread? · Will I get the virus? · Will someone I love get the virus? · How can I teach my students/children effectively? · Will they be ready for next year? · What if this goes on for more than six months? · Will I lose my job? · How will I pay the bills? It is difficult to control our t

Into the Unknown. Into the Unknown . The chorus from this popular Frozen 2 song keeps playing over and over in my head. It seems to be appropriate right now. Educators are struggling to navigate the ever-changing expectations of what it means to provide quality educational experiences for their students. All across the country schools and districts are scrambling to ensure minimum requirements are being met, assignments are being completed, and adequate resources are being di