By: Shanta Smith
“In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity,” is a quote that has been at the forefront of my mind over the past year. Albert Einstein’s prolific words have helped to guide and direct me to navigate the unexpected challenges of our current times. These words have created a sense of urgency around the idea of regeneration. According to the American Webster dictionary, regenerate means “to grow what was lost.” Regenerating as an en educator takes deep reflection and a growth mindset. We have learned so many new ways to thrive and exist during this unprecedented time that we sometimes forget to take time to regrow what was lost during those moments. Any educational leader will tell you that they are a planner. Usually school principals have the entire year’s professional learning and staff meetings planned ahead of time. Although that may have been the plan this past year the pandemic disrupted some of those plans and caused us to pivot in unexpected ways. Despite those challenges, it is important for us to inventory what we have lost and work assiduously towards the regeneration of identified areas that need our attention. Just as seeds need water to grow we must provide water and sunlight in all areas of our personal and professional lives to promote growth. For example, if as a leader you lost valuable face-to-face collaboration time with your leadership team you can use digital platforms to enhance your ability to connect more frequently and engender more conversation and action planning around central issues.
Therefore, although we may have decreased some of our face-to-face interactions with individuals it does not mean we have to lose our connections with people. Thinking of ways to continuously connect using digital tools has opened up more opportunities for me to meet with, talk to and support individuals in my role as a school leader. Despite the rapidly evolving technology, we have managed to use digital tools to regrow what we have lost. Forging anew and making this a time of growth helps individuals to center the work in a way that they may not have done before. The innovation inherent in this time is breathtaking and it is the type of invigoration that we need as educators who are preparing our students to develop the skills and capacities that they will need to meet future demands and to compete in the global market. Readying your mind to operate in this new normal of uncertainty each day is critical. It is imperative that we use a growth mindset to accomplish the tasks ahead of us with creative confidence. We must embrace innovation to thrive and maintain a positive sense of self, others and the work ahead. I challenge you to regenerate. In the words of Carol Dweck, the author of Growth Mindset, I urge you to “Love Challenges, Be intrigued by mistakes, Enjoy Effort and Keep on learning.” The opportunity is here. Let’s seize the moment and work together to renew, rejuvenate and regenerate our thinking, words and actions to enrich our student’s present and future.
