The joke goes, there are only two seasons in Michigan: Winter and Construction.
As I see it, there are two seasons for educators, too: Build, and React.
React lasts from September to June. The days move so quickly, with so many demands placed on educators time, that the best they can do is react to a situation using their best knowledge, skills, and instincts.
But Build lasts from June to September. I’ve written before about building capacity, but there’s a different kind of building I’m thinking about here. I’m thinking specifically about building new knowledge, skills, and instincts to be better educators when React season rolls back around. Our instincts are only as good as we’ve trained them to be. We all have skills that need developing. And gaining knowledge is a lifetime process.
Being intentional about using your Build season will lead to better results, and more enjoyment, when you’re in React season.