Impact, Grit & Progress

Region 10 consultants share words of support and encouragement for educators who have been working tirelessly to make up for COVIDrelated learning loss while continuing to support the social-emotion health of students.

"Your passion and perseverance are keeping you positive! Thank you for what you do!"

PEARL GARDEN

TEACHING & LEARNING CONSULTANT

I see you all! You are shaping the lives of our future, during a pandemic at that! You are working so hard, learning new things, and applying that learning to your classroom practice. Your passion and perseverance are keeping you positive! Thank you for what you do!

Yes! Use that new technology. Use that new engagement activity! Show that video recorded readaloud! I see the awesome and creative ways you are working to close those learning gaps happening in your classrooms.

You are awesome! I am so proud of you, and I am excited to have the opportunity to share in the work of educating children with you.

You are working with your students virtually and faceto-face and sometimes a combination of both! Worry and stress may be on you because it is certainly true that times have been tough, and tiring, and trying, but you are making it through.

Be encouraged and remember, I see you, I honor you, and I am so proud of you! Keep pushing! Keep doing what you do for our future!

DEDE MUNKRES

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONSULTANT

I’ve recently been introduced to Dr. Edith Eger by way of Brené Brown’s podcasts Dare to Lead and Unlocking Us (my current obsession). Dr. Eger’s words, stories, and understandings are exactly where our level of impact, grit, and progress meet the road.

There are two things that resonated with me from this strong, brilliant woman’s work that she has so selflessly shared with the world: • Everything we encounter in life is an opportunity. • The way we choose to think and engage that opportunity is what we create.

These words hold so much truth and power. As I reflected on these ideas, my mind quickly jumped to the resilient school districts and educators of Region 10. I have had the opportunity to serve and partner with daily. The following are just a few examples of how I have seen Dr. Eger’s work take root within districts and campuses I have had the privilege of working with side-by-side.

Dr. Vernon Orndorff, Milford ISD superintendent, and David Johnson, principal, lead an impactful group of educators who continually show they will do whatever it takes to see their scholars grow. Like many school districts, they faced the daunting task of raising student achievement and closing learning gaps pre-COVID, and as the pandemic ensued, they struggled but never swayed from the path and priority that their students come first. They banded together, supported each other, and provided quality learning opportunities for students amongst the trials of a “new normal.” Milford ISD made great strides in their 2021 achievement scores, and I have no doubt they will continue to grow their scholars in impactful ways. Sheffield Elementary School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is another campus that comes to mind. If you were to visit Sheffield, you would be ushered in with genuine welcome and care. This campus represents more than just a school - it is a community. Ahveance Jones, Sheffield Elementary School principal, and her leadership team are in sync and operate as one throughout the school to support their intentional educators and scholars. As you weave in and out of classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and the gym, you find the same theme - staff and students alike; leading by example to create an atmosphere of acceptance, high expectations, and a growth mindset.

CFBISD, Lumin Education, and Life Education are three of more than a dozen school districts across the region that are actively seeking ways to reflect and build on their systems and structures that have a direct impact on student achievement and social-emotional learning. Through a yearlong partnership with Region 10’s Texas Instructional Leadership team, these districts are embracing hard work and implementing systems that will sustain student growth. They continue to amaze us as they maneuver constant barriers for the work; not getting stuck in excuses but instead finding inspiration in motivating student progress. During a time when it would be easy to fall prey to unforeseen circumstances, these districts are dedicating time and resources to make sure that students are getting their very best, every day.

When faced with challenging situations, each of these districts and campuses view them as opportunities to make intentional decisions, continue what was working, build new systems and structures for what wasn’t, and overcome seemingly impossible barriers. They are an inspiring group of educators, and what they continue to build and create is a vivid reflection of how they think. I am beyond honored to be a partner in the work with each and every district I serve and learn from them along the way.