Change Begins with Me - June 3, 2020

Change Begins with Me

June 3, 2020

By, Michael Earnshaw

@EduChefEarnshaw

As an educator and father, I have always believed that I did a good job of teaching my own children about our world, the issues we face, and how to treat others. In the wake of tragic murder of George Floyd, the peaceful protests to bring awareness to the racism that still plagues our country, and the looting and destroying of local businesses, I realize I have not done a good job. Not even close. For this I am ashamed and feel I have let my children down. I need to smash the own distorted window that I have been trying to gaze through these last 40 years.

My window was finally shattered on Sunday, May 30, 2020. My wife and I were watching the 5:00 pm news. We sat close on the couch, phone screens locked and focused all of our attention to the scenes being reported. Some were peaceful protests full of chants, signs, and a message that America must come together to bring an end to racism. These scenes were scarce in the big picture. Many of what was being shown were storefront windows being shattered, vehicles pulling up right to the now open space created by a pipe dancing with the glass window, only to be filled with goods and products that were not paid for. We also saw buildings being set on fire, local family owned businesses being destroyed and ransacked. Many of these scenes were not even three miles from where we were sitting. “Dad, why are they doing that? Why are they breaking into stores and stealing and destroying?” my daughter whispered. I knew that she was not only curious, but overcome with fear. We’ve always kept our children away from many of the scenes the news plays. We don’t hide them from the truth, but there are many images and stories we feel they can be taught about from us and not how the media displays it for adult eyes. I looked at, grabbed her hand, and told her, “Babe, there’s just something going on in the world and people are upset. They are letting our government know that changes need to be made.” This wasn’t the time for me to go into details with my 8 year old daughter on why there was a mix of peaceful protests and looting. Why we needed justice for not only George Floyd, but all of the African Americans being subjected to racism still in 2020 solely because of the color of their skin. For those that lost their lives at the hands of a racist clothed in blue and a badge. Without hesitation my daughter responded. “Is it because that white police officer kneeled on George Floyd’s neck and killed him? Because George Floyd said he couldn’t breathe and the white police just kept doing it? That’s what people are saying on Tik Tok. I know it’s not right, why would he do that?” My heart was shattered. My innocent 8 year old daughter knew more about the horrific situation from her social media platforms than I thought. This was her news. These were her questions. And it is time that I follow the mission I lead by.

I knew in that moment that it was time to no longer hide the true realities of our world from my children. They already know what is going on, whether I share the information with them or not. As an educator, as a father, it is my responsibility to inform them, teach them, and empower them. This all begins with me. I have finally opened my eyes. I have self-reflected on these issues and I must learn, alongside my country, my neighbor, my children, how to be a force, a voice, to bring an end to racism in our country. It is my responsibility, as a white male, to be honest about my faults, my mistakes, my wrongs not only with those I serve but my children and most importantly, myself. I truly believe in my heart that my children, your children, OUR children, are the catalyst that will bring about true change in our world. There is no way this is going to happen if we are not honest with them about the racism that still infects so much of our country. It is our duty to learn ourselves first and then teach them so they are that force empowered and determined to change this world. That is never going to happen if we don’t begin with ourselves.

WATER - #OneWord202 - January 7, 2020

WATER

#OneWord2020

January 7, 2020

By, Michael Earnshaw

@mearnshaw158

In 2019, I chose to forgo resolutions and instead live by the #oneword phenomenon. I was excited about this new approach, but a little apprehensive. How could just one word bring me a fulfilled, joyful, 365 days? 

Throughout the last few weeks of 2018, I contemplated and pondered what #oneword I would hold in my heart throughout my relationship with 2019. This was an elephant sized decision for me, and I didn’t want to pick a word that wasn’t meaningful or brought unattainable goals. It wasn’t until January 8, 2019 that I had my #oneword2019.

The word that I lived by this past year was BELIEVE. Click the word to read it if you haven’t yet. 

I truly BELIEVED that my #oneword2020 would come much easier to me this year. It was now the second time I’d choose to live by #oneword, which basically makes me a semi-pro. To my unbelieving surprise, it was not any easier. In fact, #oneword2020 was much more difficult than I ever would have BELIEVED. 

For 2020, I wanted to choose a word that built off of 2019’s. 2019 was one of my best years professionally and personally. Dreams and goals that I have had since I was a young punk rocker, waxing up parking blocks at the corner bank after hours, grinding, railing, and blunt sliding over that block with our skateboards for hours on end Friday nights. I lived 2019 BELIEVING that I was going to break out of my comfort zone and make an impact in the world. I’m pleased to say that this has happened, but it’s only just the beginning.

WATER. This is my #oneword2020. I chose this word because I simply can’t just BELIEVE what I want to happen anymore. That part is over. Those dreams, those goals, have already begun to blossom. The seeds were planted in 2019. Now it’s time to feed them to watch them grow for years to come. 

WATER brings life. Seeds are planted. Trees, plants, flowers, crops, all need water to bloom into their full potential. Writing, podcasting, speaking are all seeds that begun in 2019. I BELIEVED I could do those, and do those I have very well. Now is the time to WATER those seeds, and witness them expand further, touch more educators than I ever imagined possible. 

WATER is strength. WATER can cut through rock. It can carry the heaviest of semi-trucks like they are weightless. I need to be the strength for my family. I need to advocate for my son, who has special needs. I need to be the protector of my daughter, to guide her to choose the right man that will treat her like the princess she is. I must be strong for my wife, carrying my weight and more so she is not overburdened with carrying our family.

WATER is persistent. It will continually flow if we allow it to. I cannot stop feeding my dreams and goals. I must not build a dam or turn the faucet to “off” when it comes to what I must accomplish personally, familial, and professionally. 

WATER takes on many forms. When the temperature drops, WATER transforms to ice. Heat and we have gas. Depending on the situation it is put in, WATER adapts. I must begin to more fluidly adapt to my situations. I cannot take the same approach with every individual and every conversation I enter. There will be fun situations and conversations as well as ones that are uncomfortable and difficult. To be the leader our staff and students deserve, and more importantly, the husband and father my family deserves, I must adapt and approach each season with the proper form. 

WATER is a symbol of health, of wellness. We must consume it daily to survive. It cleanses our bodies, both internally and externally. I must take my health seriously. I’m turning 40 this year. Long gone are the days when I can eat whatever I want and still think I can perform at a highly efficient level while running marathons, attempting a PR lift in the gym, leading and serving my staff and students, or just being an active dad and husband. It’s time to consume WATER to fuel my drive to reach my goals. 

I’m ecstatic for 2020. I know in every being of my body it is going to make those dreams I haven’t even had yet come true! My body is tingling with excitement just imaging what is to come! 

Or, it may be the 120 oz. of WATER I’ve consumed today. 

My Friends Look Out for Me Like Family - October 2, 2019

My Friends Look Out for Me Like Family 

By, Michael Earnshaw 

October 2, 2019

@mearnshaw158 

 

Growing up I never truly felt like I belonged. I had friends, we hung out, had good times, but I always felt like an outcast. 

 Sports were out of the question. I tried baseball. T-ball in kindergarten, did ok until coach pitch began. 1st grade I played Little League. I can sum up that season with a comment from one of the umpires. I was trembling as I approached home plate, mentally preparing myself for my best statue impersonation while a 6-year-old through fire towards me, just like when Mario gets a hold of the orange flower. As I creepily began to take my position, secretly wishing that my sloth-like movements would take so long the game got called, the umpire shockingly eyes me as if I'm an all-star and bellows, “Aren’t you the kid that always gets hit?” Yes, that’s me, would you like me to autograph this ball that’s about to impact my shoulder? My parents believed in my baseball career so much they signed me up for T-ball in second grade. Yes, a second grader playing T-ball with Kindergarten students. Yes, I again hit off the T the first half of the season and yes, again, I could not hit off the coach.  

I was smart, but not smart enough for the advanced classes. I was right in the middle of the mix. Most of my classes were made up of you guessed it, athletes. Nothing against them, but we just didn’t relate and once conversations began about sports, uuuggghhh... 

Drama? Nope. If you looked up “Stage Fright” in a dictionary I’d be there sharing a smile from ear to ear and a big “Thumbs up!”  

There were always two things I could rely on after going through each day of middle school like this: my skateboard and punk rock music.  

Skating and punk always elevated me to another place. I could be myself, express myself in my way, and put a genuine smile on my face. If it wasn’t for skateboarding and punk rock bands like Rancid, Voodoo Glow Skulls, NOFX, and Progagandhi, I would not be who I am today.  

High school was when things began to turn around. I was finally in a melting pot with so many more personalities and individuals than what my small middle school provided. I was able to find a crew that felt like me. We were able to bond together for hours in an empty parking lot, grinding over and over on that waxed up parking block, or kickflipping over the small set of cracked stairs connecting the neighboring paint store lot.  

Once we hit 16, yep, driving! There wasn’t a Friday or Saturday night where we weren’t at a punk show in a neighboring town or Chicago! The camaraderie was strong and when we entered the venue for the night we all knew that nothing or nobody could take away the sweat, tears, and memories we were creating.  

This crew was more than a group we went to shows with. If someone needed a ride to work or home, we dropped what we were doing and got them there. Someone was short on cash? No worries, I’ll cover your Taco Hell this time, you get mine next. Relationship problems? I’ll be there in 10 and we’ll go grab some new music and cruise around. Need a place to crash for the night? Don’t worry, my couch is always open. We looked out for each other like family. We had our core circle of friends, and it extended out to the world just as a family tree does.  

Education is no different. No matter what your role is, you need a crew, or as we now call it, a PLN, Professional Learning Network. No one person has all the answers. No one person is an expert in every field or situation that arises in education. No one person can give their all for kids every single day and not start to get stressed out or have a strain on their heart from the stories and lives that many of our students are now coming to us with.  

If you are an educator that “clocks” in from 8-3, eats by yourself, doesn’t lean on colleagues for advice and/or support or offer any to the whole, chances are you will have a miserable career and may not even stay in it. We are all in this game for the same reason, to better the lives of our children, to bring them confidence, to help them realize their own strengths, and to set goals to help others and change the world. We cannot do this alone. We must unite and help each other along the way.  

Here’s some tips and tricks to build your PLN and help you along your journey:  

1. 1. Get to school 10 minutes earlier than normal or stay 10 minutes later. Don’t just hunker down in your classroom or office. Walk around, see who else is in the building and strike up a conversation. Talk about school, your successes and struggles this year. Talk about life. Build a relationship. Relationships are key to changing lives.  
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2. 2. In meetings when it’s time to collaborate, do not team up with those you always work with and socialize with. Find that colleague you give a smile to every day but never have truly gotten to know. Work with others that are not directly tied to your specialty. Administrators, assign groups, just as teachers do for students. One technique I do is pass out a playing card to every staff member as they enter a meeting. We then pair up by numbers, suits, or colors.  
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3. 3. Get connected on social media! Believe it or not, there are educators across the world looking for support and excited to provide some! By working with others not directly in our circle gets us fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a reinvigorating push we sometimes desperately need. It wasn’t until I fully embraced Twitter that I grew as an educator, leader, and individual. I have met so many amazing people and built true, strong friendships. I know that I could not do this without their support. We all have amazing strengths and stories to share, tell them before someone else does.  
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Embrace the strengths you hold. When a member of your crew, your PLN, is struggling in that arena, help them out. When someone is down, pick them back up. Iron sharpens iron, we are stronger together. Education is not about egos. This game isn’t for us, it’s for our children and for all our futures. If we truly want to create a better world we must unite and fight the good fight together.  

Sugar, We're Going Down! - September 23, 2019

Sugar, We’re Going Down! 

By, Michael Earnshaw 

September 23, 2019 

@mearnshaw158 

“I’ll miss you. Wish me luck. I love you,” was scrolled across the bottom of my phone screen. Within seconds my left, calloused thumb punched “Send” as if it was the last time and my message was delivered. I closed my eyelids, tilted my head down, and held Derek’s sweating hand.  

Derek was mumbling under his breath. The words were jumbled and not making any sense. “Lunch...announcements...playground...volunteers...scores...Danielson...Karate Kid.” There was no rhyme or reason to the whispers he produced. I slowly cracked open my left eye to see the beads of sweat transcending down his brow. I’m sure the tears were welled up behind his eyelids, just waiting to break through the levy.  

“Please grant me the grace to make it through this. I promise I will change my ways. There is so much left for me to accomplish, this can’t be it today?” Paula stated out loud, not caring if the rest of us were followers of her higher being.  

Kristen wouldn’t join in holding any hands. Instead, hers were thrown in the air as she shrieked, “Well, if this is what it is let’s just get it over with! Make it quick!” Her hands then plummeted down back at her sides. I wasn’t sure if that was a prayer or declaration.  

“Alright, this is your captain,” overtook the prayers, mumbles, and whimpers from us. The captain continued, “Let’s get started. Agenda item #1” 

The unfortunate reality is that far too many administration and faculty meetings take off for flight this way for many of the passengers. It’s not uncommon for leaders hosting meetings to take up hours of valuable time on discussions that don’t need to happen or accomplish anything. Many times these style of meetings, ones where it’s full of agenda items and discussion, quickly turn into a session of complaining instead of problem solving. This does not work towards reaching any school’s vision or mission.  

Educators need to continually be problem solving to ensure our students are receiving the best learning experiences possible. Our goal is to create critical thinkers, problem solvers, that are confident in their own strengths and not ashamed to rely on others where they may need growth. Our students will leave our schools knowing empathy, the power of collaboration, and confidence to leave their comfort zones and embrace failure.  

How will any of this be accomplished by sitting around a table complaining, staring at bullet points on paper?  

The answer is it won’t. If we are leading a meeting, and chances are if you are reading this you either already do or will be in the near future, there are many techniques to put in place to ensure you are empowering your audience to become reinvigorated and ready to engage and propel our students to the next level.  

1. Create a meeting agenda with only 5 items or less. Anything extra share via email, phone, or face to face visit.  

2. Each item and activity should be able to be adapted and brought back to the classroom or school for students to learn from and enjoy. 

3. Collaboration is key. Don’t just talk to the audience and then ask them to reply. Get up, break into teams, move around, and collaborate with those one normally doesn’t.  

4. What hands on activities could go for each item? Can an agenda item be taken outside? Can food, dance, music, charades, or a game be incorporated to cover a topic?  

5. Ask yourself if the agenda lends itself to movement, laughter, smiles, and teamwork? If not, find ways that it does.  

6. There is no six, remember? We stop at 5. Look back to Agenda Item #1. 

We don’t expect our kids to learn sitting in rows hours on end listening to lectures anymore. Why would we treat adults any different? Working to change the lives of our students every day, to help make a change in the world is exhausting. It can be the equivalent of running a marathon every day of the week. No adult is going to be focused and enjoy spending a few hours after school listening to us ramble on about data and policies, cursing their eyes with an ugly PowerPoint.  

Reviewing an article read? Speed Dating. 

Discussing intervention blocks? Teams create puzzle pieces and then have fellow teams put them together to understand their plan. 

Facing an issue one can’t find a solution for? Play “Struggle Island” on the playground. Staff forms a circle and someone stands in the middle and reads a problem. Those facing that issue step back to signify “drowning in the waters.” Those still on the island have a solution and share out what’s worked for them.  

Want to create random groups? Give everyone a playing card as they walk in.  

Sharing a love of children’s literature? Create Literature-O-Lanterns and then place them in the LRC or Media Center.  

There is a plethora of activities that may sound “childish” to do with staff. That just means it will be that more engaging and fun! Get out of your comfort zone, enjoy what you do, and create a meaningful, engaging, collaborative, and memorable meeting.  

With the right activities put in place you will be that captain your passengers clap for after flight!