“I am fundamentally an optimist... Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair.” #EDLR5402

Critical Professional Development for educators centers the needs and perspectives of students, communities, and teachers over the interests of leaders… but I’d argue that great leaders see this IS in their best interests! #EDLR5402

Since Session 1, I’ve continually thought about this: “EVERY decision needs to be made through a critical lens bent towards social justice.” - Eric Bernstein #EDLR5402

“Content, process, reflection, and action are deeply intertwined.” - Farmer, Hauk, Neumann (2005) Take any one of these pieces out of a professional learning experience and it will fall short of being fully effective #EDLR5402

“Think caringly and carefully” (about new structures and learning opportunities)- Eleanor Drago-Severson… “careful study and deep thinking must be part of every step” (of Professional Development for Learning)- Fred Ende #EDLR5402

“We must do the necessary and deliberate work of confronting and eradicating the unjust systems that perpetuate trauma for too many of us…” - Dena Simmons, Ed.D #EDLR5402

Leaders need to invest in TIME for professional learning— make it: Thoughtfully designed, Implementable / relevant to daily work, use Multiple modalities for differentiation, Enriching for teachers = impactful for students #EDLR5402

Adding this to a collection for the wall of my future office— from our conversation with Allison Rodman: “People over process!” #EDLR5402

“(Collective hope) is harnessed by shared experiences, radical imagination and critical action.” Oscar Navarro (2018) #EDLR5402

“… there is a need to re-imagine, re-conceptualize and re-visit the purpose and possibilities of public education.” Oscar Navarro (2018) #EDLR5402

“If it becomes a priority in our spaces, our budgets will reflect that.” - Dr. Chaunté Garrett, during an impactful conversation around equity work in #EDLR5402. What does your school district budget say about its priorities?

“There’s a difference between a calling and a job. This work, for me, has always been a calling and never been a job.” - Larry D Lewis on being motivated to continue equity work in the face of extreme opposition from state officials. #EDLR5402