Hello 2024 South By reviewer or PanelPicker!

Dr. Flores introduces our proposal to share innovative practices that build a forward-thinking and vibrant school culture from a diverse panel of education leaders. Our panel will dive deep into specific strategies for nurturing educator wellness and growth across a career - all wrapped around a story about a caterpillar. Spoiler alert: don’t use a sharp stick to “help”. Leave inspired and with a great story to share!

Citation mentioned in video

The Caterpillar Story

When I was 4 years old, I found a caterpillar in our backyard in Skokie, Illinois. It was green and fuzzy and downright adorable, and it made me so happy to take care of it. Soon after I declared my love to this bugger, I watched him wiggle his way into a crevice of wood and (in my tiny brain’s interpretation) he looked scared and stuck. So in my 4 year-old panic, I found a small stick to “push” him out.

My eyes were blurry for days from crying so much (and my parents laughed hysterically). To say I was horrified is probably the greatest understatement of my life because still, thirty years later, it's vivid in my mind. These days, that's translated into a weird kind of overprotection for the people I love.

In case you suffer from the same ailment, here's my plan:

10-Step Plan on How to Not Harm Caterpillars…or Teachers

1. Be gentle when you hold it.
   * Support new teachers with the resources they need.

2. If it’s exploring, let it explore.
   * Give teachers the space to learn & master the curriculum before changing it.

3. If you think it’s stuck, give it a second.
   * Empower teachers by offering tiered support when they need it.

4. You can’t force it out of anything.
   * Adult learners need to understand the ‘Why’ before blindly implementing new practices.

5. Definitely don’t use anything sharp to “help”
   * This goes double for teachers…and students, and families, and any sentient being!

6. Trust that if it got itself into the situation, it can probably get itself out.
   * Give teachers the benefit of the doubt, ask why they made a decision/choice, they will likely have a good reason.

7. If walls come up around it, it’s probably got some growth to do.
   * Provide differentiated Professional Learning opportunities because one size does not fit all.

8. If it cocoons for awhile, trust the process.
   * Provide opportunity for collaboration and networking with peers, this may be less threatening than an instructional coach.

9. Know that transformation is not a threat; it’s actually best for everyone.
   * Change is the only constant in life, new technologies in the classroom may time time to be embraced.

10. Create a lush and vibrant environment for whenever those walls come down.
    * Prioritize a safe, supportive, proactive, and equitable school culture and climate for all.

Rapport Before Rigor

As educator, we know the value of creating positive relationships with our students and their families. Students need to know that we care, before they care what we know. Isn’t it time that we applied this same logic, and values, to our educators. Hero’s need love too!

Read more Tanya Moushi insights and idea on her website.