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Our FILM is Coming Out Soon!
I've been keeping something from you...
Be Intentional So Others Notice - A Story of Educational Transformation
Last week I talked to not one, not two, but THREE Superintendents in three different areas all over the west coast. You see, they’re struggling. They’ve got big behaviors, tons of referrals, teachers calling out because they’re exhausted and overwhelmed, principals who are at a total loss, and everyone is in dire need of immediate support.
And all I could do was tell them, THEY’RE NOT ALONE. That is why I have a team of Mentor Teachers to support them. And truly, now I sit here all week long, wondering if they’re going to take action.
A couple months ago, we started building out a FILM. Yep, that’s right. A short film showcasing one of the incredible school districts that I’ve been working with over the past two and a half years.
You see, they’re different. These district leaders actually listened. They listened to their teachers. And when one of their teachers took action and finally asked them for the support she needed…THEY took action too.
And they didn’t just set up a Zoom call, or schedule a time to talk over the phone about their options and then ghost me. These leaders…they signed that contract for three years, brought their teachers in, and got on the ground and started running with ME as their lead bison and their incredible herd of educators, Coaches, and district leaders.
This weekend I’ll be showing everyone at our live event in SoCal the film of this district’s transformation. For the very first time, the eyes of teachers from The Bison Community will get to not only watch, but FEEL this district transformation on screen. But I didn't want to leave any of you out on a little sneak peek.
So this is it!
This is Jen’s story, and I know that she is not the only one who shares these memories. Her voice, her testimonial, and the voices of her colleagues and district leaders across her school district echo the struggles faced by countless teachers in classrooms across the country. "I had always been told that I was a good teacher, I had good classroom management, but that year things were just different. Their social skills were lagging, and I didn't know how to teach them."
The weight of these challenges can be overwhelming, and too many of our teachers, our incredible educators, are starting to question their calling.
"I was going home every day, just like, maybe I'm not meant to do this. And I would cry after school every day," confessed Jen’s colleague, and our now, Community Member, Shae. And her statement truly goes to show the toll on our educators' mental health and well-being. It cannot be overstated.
However, even in the darkness, there is hope.
Jen’s journey, without a shadow of a doubt, proves that transformation is possible when you take action and seek support. "I saw videos of her in classrooms, and I realized, oh, this is different. This is not just somebody sharing this is what you should do. It was her going in and coaching teachers and seeing that in action. I went from not knowing what to do to having a whole box of tools to choose from."
That HER that she’s referring to is ME.
I have been, and still do, post pictures and videos of me while I’m traveling across the country supporting educators in their classrooms. Because for ME, in the classroom is truly where I belong. Running alongside teachers, analyzing what systems need to be put in place to make it a calmer, happier, place for everyone to be, and then showing them just how easy instant change can be…THAT is what she saw me doing. And you know what? She realized that it was different.
People on social media give the quick tips, the tricks, the fluff. Coaches and TOSAs across school districts are being pulled in a million different directions and are taking orders from the leaders at the top. And that’s why our teachers are pulling out. They’re overwhelmed. They feel unsupported. Not equipped. And alone.
The key to creating transformation lies in recognizing the importance of Social Emotional Learning.
It’s the foundation. You can’t get to any sort of curriculum, or absorbing new information, if your students are regulated, hell…if your TEACHER isn’t regulated. Jen’s Director of Education and Professional Learning stated, "A lot of pressure is on about test scores and performance, and getting our students to score higher. And you realize you can't get any of that done unless they can regulate themselves emotionally.”
By being consistent in implementing intentional, heart-centered, strategies, teachers can create a sense of calm in the classroom and help students feel seen and valued. "The growth that I've seen in my students is huge. They started to feel seen. It was like, oh, you see me as a human, you see me as a person," shared Elissa, a 4th grade teacher who has experienced this transformation firsthand not only in her classroom this year, but for the past three years since our work together.
The impact extends beyond the classroom walls, as one student beautifully expressed, "My teacher's name is Mrs. Jbeily, and she's the best teacher in the world. She loves to express her feelings, and she is very calm. I'm not stressing, and I can actually focus on what I'm doing."
I mean, drop the mic. From the mouths of babes, y’all. You just can’t make this up!
So here’s the deal…
For those of you who are struggling, the message is clear: You don't have to face this alone. In Jen’s words, "Whenever I hear a teacher is struggling, I want them to know that it doesn't have to be that way. You have to take action. You can't wait for somebody else."
The transformation is not only possible but also sustainable. "I enjoy teaching again. I look forward to having a new group of kids every year. I'm excited to see how much this has spread through my school and my school district. It is so exciting to know that other teachers are doing the same work to support their students. I can see doing this until I retire."
If you're ready to take the first step towards transforming your classroom and reigniting your love for teaching, know that you're not meant to do this work alone. You need to have your people. You need to find your herd. And YOUR people are joining The Community.
Don't wait another day to start your journey of transformation. Our waitlist is filling up, and we’re heading out to visit our teachers for our 2024 Sip and SELebrate down in SoCal this weekend.
We’ll allow any newbies into The Community who are at our Sip and SELebrate Event, and if there are still spots open, everyone on our WAITLIST will be next in line to snag the last available spots this school year.
Visit SELebrate Good Times to learn more about The Community, and add your name to that WAITLIST.
Your herd is here. We’ve gotchu. And we’re ready to run alongside you.
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