Sharing is Caring

Tonight, on this evening prior to the official start of summer, I'm feeling inspired.  Ironically, it has to do with a staff meeting!  (You weren't expecting that, were you?!)

This afternoon, I attended a building staff meeting where we were asked to reflect on the school year and discuss our thoughts in small groups.  Here are some of the questions upon which we reflected:

• What are some of the things you have accomplished this year that you are proud of?
• What is something you found particularly frustrating this year?  How would you change it if you could?
• How were you helpful to your colleagues this year and who amongst your colleagues was most helpful to you and why?
• What is one way that you grew professionally this year?
• When was a time this year you felt joyful and inspired about the work you do?

It was nice having the time to reflect with colleagues!  Everyone had so many things to share, and it was rewarding to be present to hear their accomplishments.  Teachers clapped for their peers, gave each other compliments, and shared success stories.  Finally, a chance to celebrate our hard work and dedication to students!

Here's my question - How can we continue this sharing year round?  It shouldn't have to wait until the second to last day of the school year.  Yes, schedules are packed, meeting agendas are too long, there are too many items on the "to do" list and we barely have enough time to scarf down lunch.  But we need to find time to share our successes, our struggles, and our appreciation for one another.  It's through these moments that we grow closer as a community.  What ideas do you have for supporting this type of sharing throughout the school year so that we can continue to inspire one another?