JumpStart National Band Director's Day (5/20/24)

Big Idea:  The school year is over. Papers are graded, classrooms are emptied, and a well-deserved sigh of relief escapes your lips. But amidst the exhaustion, a jumble of emotions swirls within you. There were triumphs and challenges, moments of connection and frustration. How do you process it all and prepare for the fresh start of a new year?

Narrative psychology is a relatively new field that views our lives through the lens of stories. Its central tenet is that we make sense of our experiences by weaving them into narratives, creating a sense of coherence and identity. The end of the school year is the perfect time to create/edit the narrative of the year that just finished and write a rough draft for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the Past Year: Unpacking Your Teaching Narrative

Think about the school year as a story. It has a beginning, middle, and end, filled with characters (students, colleagues, parents), conflicts (learning difficulties, classroom disruptions), and moments of growth. Narrative psychology encourages you to unpack this story, analyze the themes, and learn from it.

• Identify Key Moments: Start by pinpointing pivotal moments in your teaching narrative. Was there a student who overcame a learning obstacle? A particularly engaging project that ignited student passion? Conversely, were there challenges you faced with classroom management or curriculum design?

• Analyze the Narrative Arc: Each pivotal moment has a narrative arc. Was it a triumph over adversity, a moment of unexpected connection, or a struggle that led to a new teaching strategy? Examining these arcs helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  
  
• Unearthing Emotions: Our stories are infused with emotions. Reflect on how you felt during these key moments. Was it pride in a student's success, frustration with a lack of resources, or perhaps a mix of both? Acknowledge and understand these emotions, for they inform your teaching philosophy.
  
  

By actively reflecting on your teaching narrative, you gain valuable insights by reinforcing strengths, learning from challenges, and developing a professional identity.

Narrative Tools for a Fresh Start

Now that you've explored your past year's narrative, it's time to craft a new one for the upcoming year. Here's how narrative psychology can help:

• Setting Goals as Aspirational Stories: Instead of making generic resolutions, envision yourself achieving your desired goals. Picture yourself successfully implementing a new teaching method or fostering a positive learning environment. This mental narrative serves as a powerful motivator.
  
  
• Building Student Connection with Shared Stories: Storytelling plays a crucial role in classroom dynamics. Share personal stories that illustrate relevant concepts or life lessons. Encourage students to share their narratives as well. This creates a sense of community and fosters deeper connections.
  
  
• Promoting Growth Mindset with Stories of Resilience: Stories of overcoming challenges and failures can inspire students (and yourself!). Share stories of scientists who persevered through setbacks or historical figures who defied odds. This reinforces a growth mindset where effort and learning are valued.

This week, try this: As the year winds down, I strongly encourage you to do three things to help you enjoy your summer: 1) create a POSITIVE narrative for this past year. If it’s negative, it will eat away at you in your quiet moments. 2) Put an early, positive spin on next school year - one of hope and positivity. 3) Start (or continue) a self-care practice that can be continued into the next school year when you’re busy. It’s vital to start it when the times are good so that when stress hits, self-care is a comfortable friend, not a scary stranger. 

Quote:  "Breathe darling.  This is just a chapter, not your whole story."  (S.C. Lourie)

Educator Resource:  Coaches Conference - Join your fellow athletic coaches from schools all across Illinois!  We will have a chance to collaborate, network across sports, and hear from some amazing keynote speakers.

Keynote Presenters:

• Todd Moeller
• Stephen Mackey
• Dr. Blakely Low Scott
• Demi Williams
• Cat Osterman

1. In-person workshop at The Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL
2. Registration: 8:30 a.m. (coffee and tea provided)
3. Workshop: 9:00-3:30 p.m.
4. Lunch provided!
5. 5.5 PD hours
6. This workshop is FREE thanks to the ROE 40 Project Aware Grant, the ISBE SEL Hub grant and co-sponsored by Character Plus.

​Dad Joke:  My aunt is a church official who organizes parishioners' personal information.  Her job title is Nun of Your Business.

So many levels to this Dad Joke! Thanks for reading this year. This is the final installment for the 23-24 school year with a plan to start up again in September.  HAVE AN EXCELLENT SUMMER!!

~Matt Weld, ROE 40 SEL Coach