Finding Joy

As students and families are returning to school, I find myself reflecting on my personal experiences around the start of a new school year.  As a parent, it continues to be a mash of relief, excitement and hope. Interestingly, I think the emotions around returning to the classroom as a teacher were very much the same (but for different reasons). In my recent travels and work with 2Revolutions, I have been blessed with the opportunity to interact with educators across the country and listen to their perspectives on the new year. While most of their thoughts were not unique or unexpected, there was one that stood out to me- they were hopeful that their peers would find joy in the work again.  

Finding joy in the work. Such a simple, honest and human-centered goal for why educators would pour their heart and soul into their school and students. In its purest form, finding joy in the work is simply to find value. While the specific aspect that is particularly joyful for each person might be slightly different, the core is common- and arguably a non-negotiable foundation for creating an effective learning environment. So why are they trying to find it? Where did it go?

There has been no shortage of reports on the ongoing challenges in schools and the multitude of compelling reasons why educators are leaving their positions. While I completely empathize with the decision to leave- and understand that that decision was likely gut-wrenching and very much the right decision for each of those individuals- it is still true that this trend has led to growing shortages and worsening morale. What we do not hear about is the greater number of educators who have chosen to return to school, fully committed to their students and their communities- who are fueled by their ongoing excitement and belief that this year there is hope for something different. We do not hear about those who still believe they will find joy in their work.  

So I want to take this opportunity to celebrate those individuals. It is because of you that students and families are facing these first few weeks of school with excitement and hope- for deeper connections, a growing sense of community, engendering trust, meaningful engagement, needed encouragement and valuable learning. What makes these individuals so special is that they do not realize that they themselves are not only finding joy, but they are creating it for others to share. It is because of these joy creators that others will find the joy- that other educators will stay.  

Additionally, these joy creators often do not even realize that they are working their magic- it is simply in engaging in their work with a commitment to growing, improving and making this the best year possible for the learners that are in front of them right now that they create joy. Some joy is created in front of large audiences of parents or teachers, some in partnerships with a group of students, and sometimes it is created in the privacy of a classroom during a prep period or PLC meeting, or through a personal note thoughtfully placed in a bent folder that is less than gently stuffed into a backpack.  Each of these acts are simply part of the day to day experience for educators- back to school events, classroom instruction, collaboration with peers, and communicating with parents. What makes them special- and sources of joy- is that they are approached from a place of wonder, a belief in what might be, and a commitment to realizing the full potential of every learner and community.  

So to all the joy creators, we extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation. The team at 2 Revolutions is humbled to be able to walk alongside you as you do what you love, for good!  

We wish everyone an amazing and joyful school year!