December 17, 2024 Read Time:
ConnectingGatheringMaking ListsHolidays
The end of the calendar year is a time for list-making: grocery lists, card and gift lists, party invitation lists, and the seemingly endless list of errands. It can be immensely satisfying to make lists and check things off one by one. Lists are straightforward and concrete; they hold us accountable to ourselves. What we list we can measure.
Lists can also be misleading, and lull us into thinking that we can fully achieve something just by checking off all of the boxes. Lists help us get moving toward something–but are not a substitute for the deeper work that reflects our individual values and intentions. It is easy to believe that checking off the boxes will move the needle for young people, but that is not enough. It's not the boxes we check, but the long-term commitments we make, along with the everyday actions we take, that breed true success.
At Power of Place, we understand that time and finances can make it difficult for districts to invest in the necessary deep and ongoing development opportunities required to truly move the needle for students, and we aspire to help bridge that gap. At PoP, we work in partnership with districts to move professional learning from a checklist of things to get done toward a long-term commitment to every educator’s individual growth.
Essex County Learning Community, our flagship, is our long-term commitment to educators and districts in this region. We know that all educators–from superintendents to principals to teachers to paraprofessionals–need time and space away from school to reflect, connect, plan, and innovate. Our Annual Learning Agenda is an ongoing invitation to educators to invest in their growth, alongside peers from neighboring communities. We are always in awe of what you bring and what you can offer one another in these learning spaces. We believe that when educators come together in community they can accomplish so much more than they can do on their own.
We urge you to add finding time for reflection to your end of year to-do list so you can consider this question: How might I invest in myself as a professional in 2025? We hope your answer will lead you to one or more ECLC experiences next year, so you can continue to engage with our growing, thriving community of kindred spirits.
Happy holidays to you and yours. We will see you next year!
