Coach's
Column

Let's take a moment and look back together to reflect our latest professional learning opportunity with Dr. Nefertiti Poyner from Mighty Works Education Group. For those of you who were able to attend, I hope you enjoy reading about our walk down memory lane as we take a deeper look at finding joy and purpose in our early education practice. 

When we last gathered together, we talked about something that doesn't always get named in the work we do. Not just what we do, but how we experience it. We talked about the reality that this work is meaningful and demanding. And somewhere along the way, for many, purpose did not really disappear; it got buried under the weight of the day.

During our time together, we had the opportunity to reflect on:

• What brought us into this work.

• What has felt heavy or overwhelming.

• What still feels meaningful, even now.

There were moments of honesty. Moments of recognition. And for many, moments where some began to connect what matters most.

What we began to uncover during our session, was what often interferes with our sense of joy and purpose. It is rarely just one thing.

It is often:

• The pace of the work

• The expectations we carry

• The responsibilities we hold

• The thoughts we do not always pause to examine

As we explored this together, many began to recognize that joy is not gone, but rather it has been harder to hear. That awareness creates choice. And choice is where change begins.

 

A simple idea was introduced. Joy is not about removing challenges. It goes not make the work we do easier or faster. Joy gives us direction. Instead of focusing only on how much we are doing, we need to pause to consider whether we are moving in the direction that matters most.

This is how we bring the joy and the four pillars that help make our purpose meaningful and clear:

• Alignment: Getting clear about what truly matters

• Intentionality: Choosing how you show up on purpose

• Consistency: Repeating what matters, even when it's hard

• Integration: When it becomes part of who you are

 

One of our key takeaways from our time together was the realization that purpose doesn't disappear; it often gets buried under the weight of the day. What interferes with our joy is often both internal and external. Alignment, Intentionality, Consistency and Integration are not about doing more; they are about being in agreement with yourself.

Joy and Purpose are not always loud, sometimes they can be quiet and easy to miss. Together, we can be reminded that it is always there. The work we do matters. Not just in what we give to others, but in who we are becoming as we do it. What we felt in our time together, the clarity, the pause, the reflection, we don't have to leave it there. We always return to it, again and again.

So, I ask you, what does JOY look like in your practice? We would love to see pictures of your classroom that reflect the joy and purpose you see ever day. Those pictures will be highlighted in next month's newsletter. 

As you continue to reflect on your learning, our team is here to support you through ongoing technical assistance following the workshop. This support is designed to help you put ideas into practice, strengthen your approach, and navigate any challenges that may arise along the way. We hope to talk with you soon.

Wishing you all the best,

Amanda, Todd, and Jensen