In the introduction of The Heart-Centered Teacher, Regie uses the metaphor of a cracked plate to convey both the brokenness and the possibility that comes with living and thriving in uncertain times.
“Much of living a good life is in part how we value, tell, and reshape our stories to become the authors of our own lives. Learning is a human experience and a vulnerable one. Both students and teachers need to feel safe and protected in order to tell their stories. While we may feel like some pieces of life are broken, cohering those fragments into a new and promising narrative - much like the cover image of the cracked plate lovingly made whole - is what we strive to do for our students and ourselves.” (p. xxi)
Two questions for you to choose from and respond to:
What other metaphor(s) can you use to connect with and convey a deeper understanding of your experience as a person and a professional?
or
(from the study guide) What are you hoping to learn and be able to apply to teaching, learning, and living from reading and discussing The Heart-Centered Teacher?
(For information about this book club, including how you can participate in live conversations, click here. To receive all discussion threads, subscribe today.)
"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient."
Following this metaphor, I love the language of "highlighting our scars as a part of the design". Colleagues in this community do this so well, embracing humility while empowered in their work.
I am hoping to be able to redefine what it means to be a professional teacher and to incorporate that understanding into my work with new teachers. I need the reminder that both professional knowledge and love are inherent in teaching. How do I convey that when I work with teachers and administrators?
It is very complicated to pass on to new teachers that being an educator involves professional knowledge and constant learning, but also connecting with the kids as a human being. It's not easy and takes years of experience to feel comfortable. I think the most important thing for supporting teachers is to be an example and help them believe in themselves throughout all the ups and downs of teaching.
Oct 10, 2023·edited Oct 10, 2023Liked by Matt Renwick
Knowing you as I do, Hannah, I'd be willing to bet that you already DO, but Regie's words seem fitting on p 14:
"So dear reader and listener, ask yourself this question with a particular student or loved one in mind: "What are they good at" and, if the answer to that question is not obvious, then search, look hard, and ask yourself: "What might they be good at?" It seems to me that this can be applied to teachers and in every way is the professional knowledge and love you're seeking to convey.
Again, knowing you I know you do that, but it feels like a good reminder for us all!
Thank you for your confidence in me. I am going to use this exact snippet next week, to introduce the idea of giving strength-based feedback to readers! We can name for students what they are almost doing, or what they are trying to do.
I also try to use affirmations: noticing and naming what learners are doing well, and approximating their efforts with the most promising practices outlined in an instructional framework.
Yes Hannah - redefining ourselves in our work which is constantly changing needs to be a part of our own continual process for renewal. Onne way we convey our values is by doing it openly: being vulnerable such as sharing our own experiences with challenges and what we learn publicly. Great question!
I am hoping to hear other perspectives and learn from the experiences of other educators. From what I have read so far, this book greatly reflects my approach to the classroom; I teach teens, I don't teach a subject (EFL). I educate people as they learn English and provide the opportunity for them to learn.
I think you will deeply appreciate Regie's book, Michele. Regie's work is rooted in equitable learning experiences for all students, especially for our diverse and too often marginalized populations.
In response to a metaphor, I love the one on page 14 (the first part of this is in my comment below to Hannah): "Once teacher and our loved ones "see," value and capitalize on each learners' unique talents and strengths, it changes them - and us. Possibilities override limitations. Pride of accomplishment replaces failure. Effort leads to excellence. Joy is a present, the best gift of all."
"Joy is a present, the best gift of all" - and we have the opportunity to live that gift every day!
Oct 10, 2023·edited Oct 10, 2023Liked by Matt Renwick
I am hoping (and am already planting many seeds as I enter second read of Regie's book) to learn how to maneuver the current challenging climate centered around education from all directions. None of us have a guidebook for doing that but I've gaining so much insight from Regie Routman (as I have for the past five decades). Love yourself has always been as much a centerpiece of Regie's writing and this book as love your students and others. I've made my share of mistakes maneuvering these uncertain times and have no doubt that I'll make more but Regie reminds us in so many ways that we musts first love ourselves to truly love others and that's been a big message for uncertain times. Yes, I want to be a better professional but I also want to a better human.... as Regie models in her own life daily!
Waiting on the mail to deliver my book. Can't wait to read and interact in this professional learning space! Thanks for organizing the book study Matt. :)
Repairing broken items as a metaphor for renewal comes from the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
From NBC News (https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-japanese-art-technique-kintsugi-can-help-you-be-more-ncna866471):
"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient."
Following this metaphor, I love the language of "highlighting our scars as a part of the design". Colleagues in this community do this so well, embracing humility while empowered in their work.
That's absolutely beautiful, Matt, and such a lovely connection to Regie's book!
I am hoping to be able to redefine what it means to be a professional teacher and to incorporate that understanding into my work with new teachers. I need the reminder that both professional knowledge and love are inherent in teaching. How do I convey that when I work with teachers and administrators?
It is very complicated to pass on to new teachers that being an educator involves professional knowledge and constant learning, but also connecting with the kids as a human being. It's not easy and takes years of experience to feel comfortable. I think the most important thing for supporting teachers is to be an example and help them believe in themselves throughout all the ups and downs of teaching.
Knowing you as I do, Hannah, I'd be willing to bet that you already DO, but Regie's words seem fitting on p 14:
"So dear reader and listener, ask yourself this question with a particular student or loved one in mind: "What are they good at" and, if the answer to that question is not obvious, then search, look hard, and ask yourself: "What might they be good at?" It seems to me that this can be applied to teachers and in every way is the professional knowledge and love you're seeking to convey.
Again, knowing you I know you do that, but it feels like a good reminder for us all!
Thank you for your confidence in me. I am going to use this exact snippet next week, to introduce the idea of giving strength-based feedback to readers! We can name for students what they are almost doing, or what they are trying to do.
I also try to use affirmations: noticing and naming what learners are doing well, and approximating their efforts with the most promising practices outlined in an instructional framework.
Yes Hannah - redefining ourselves in our work which is constantly changing needs to be a part of our own continual process for renewal. Onne way we convey our values is by doing it openly: being vulnerable such as sharing our own experiences with challenges and what we learn publicly. Great question!
I am hoping to hear other perspectives and learn from the experiences of other educators. From what I have read so far, this book greatly reflects my approach to the classroom; I teach teens, I don't teach a subject (EFL). I educate people as they learn English and provide the opportunity for them to learn.
I think you will deeply appreciate Regie's book, Michele. Regie's work is rooted in equitable learning experiences for all students, especially for our diverse and too often marginalized populations.
In response to a metaphor, I love the one on page 14 (the first part of this is in my comment below to Hannah): "Once teacher and our loved ones "see," value and capitalize on each learners' unique talents and strengths, it changes them - and us. Possibilities override limitations. Pride of accomplishment replaces failure. Effort leads to excellence. Joy is a present, the best gift of all."
"Joy is a present, the best gift of all" - and we have the opportunity to live that gift every day!
A gift is a powerful metaphor for this work, Mary. Thank you for surfacing it. The giver benefits as much or even more so than the recipient.
I am hoping (and am already planting many seeds as I enter second read of Regie's book) to learn how to maneuver the current challenging climate centered around education from all directions. None of us have a guidebook for doing that but I've gaining so much insight from Regie Routman (as I have for the past five decades). Love yourself has always been as much a centerpiece of Regie's writing and this book as love your students and others. I've made my share of mistakes maneuvering these uncertain times and have no doubt that I'll make more but Regie reminds us in so many ways that we musts first love ourselves to truly love others and that's been a big message for uncertain times. Yes, I want to be a better professional but I also want to a better human.... as Regie models in her own life daily!
A great reminder, thank you Mary for your honesty and vulnerability. You are a leader!
Waiting on the mail to deliver my book. Can't wait to read and interact in this professional learning space! Thanks for organizing the book study Matt. :)
Happy you can join us Ryanne, looking for to connecting with you here.