Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions - July 9, 2025

Thrive in Unfavorable Conditions

In my last blog, Peaks and Valleys, I mentioned how Chicagoland has been experiencing a heat wave these past weeks of summer. This has made for some very unfavorable temps for runners training for the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025. As I look at my lawn, and basically everyone’s in the neighborhood, it’s brown and hasn’t really moved any closer to the sun in about two weeks. When I place my foot on it, there is a brittleness I can feel through my eardrums and I immediately think how this is not the yard I would have gotten grass stains from as a kid. The only things that seem to be growing are the unattractive weeds and crabgrass that thrive in these unfavorably parched conditions. 

As I finished my four-miler I walked to the side of my house and saw something that clutched my eye. Five vibrant pink roses, close together, high above any of the weeds making their statement, declared their dominance. It was an amazing sight, not something I was expecting, but needed. 

These five roses don’t care that the current spiced temperatures are not what they typically thrive in. It doesn’t matter to them that they are lacking the proper amount of hydration to prosper. These five roses agreed to use teamwork and said, “Screw it, we’re not going dormant, let’s show everyone and everything how beautiful and strong we are together.” 

Throughout life, we all will find ourselves in a drought, gasping for water to quench our thirst and find shelter from the temperatures that are draining the moisture out of our bodies. We will find ourselves slowing, crawling, and dragging our bodies against the sharp, crisp blades of grass. Our mind will begin to tell us that it’s no use, just give up, stop clawing at the Earth, trying to move forward. It’s during these times we must think of the five pink roses. We must find and rely on our team, knowing they bring strength when we may not feel it inside. Together, we will rise up and stand strong and thrive despite the unfavorable circumstances we may find ourselves in. We must remember that it’s not the environment surrounding us that determines our growth, but ourselves. 

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Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

Peaks & Valleys - July 1, 2025

 Peaks & Valleys

A few weeks ago I kicked off my official training for the Chicago Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This will be my 8th running of Chicago, and one thing that I have learned is that no two runs are ever the same. 

Chicagoland, much like the rest of the country, has been experiencing a heat wave these last few weeks. Even with lacing up and getting out the door by 6:00 am, the humidity is disgusting, leaving you feeling like you’re running endraped in a wet blanket. This heat and humidity will naturally force a runner to take a slower pace most times. Every once in a while I’ll finish a run through Hell’s Furnace, glance down at my watch to have my sweat filled eyeballs jump out of my skull while my jaw dives like it’s wearing concrete filled boots towards the ground to see a pace I was not expecting. Then the next day, pretty much the same temps and humidity, a pace slower than a turtle crossing a four-lane road. 

Many of my runs have been of the latter mentioned. What I’ve noticed while I’m grinding through them, whether it’s a three-miler or a nine, there is always a pattern. I feel great and am grateful to get to run every day. Then my legs will feel heavy, my lungs searching for a good, deep breath, sweat engulfing my body, my mind asking me if this is even worth it and reminding me that I didn’t hydrate properly, I ate too much junk, I’m getting too old for this running thing. Then, I’ll be back to enjoying the time on my feet in the neighborhood, again sharing gratitude that I am able to and get to run. 

These phases of my runs, they always differ. Sometimes I’ll be in the euphoric, blessed state for 90% of the run, while other times I’m in the pain cave for a majority of the time my feet are pitter-pattering against the warm concrete. These different phases, I call them my peaks and valleys. The highs are when I’m at the peak, soaring above everything else, overlooking the beauty of this world. The lows, those are when I’m in the valley, fighting through the trenches when all I can see is dirt and shadows, fighting the inner dialogue in my head. 

As I was running 6 this morning, I was out of the valley pretty quick, only lasting a minute or two in there. As I was summiting the peak, inching towards the end of my run, I asked myself why I thought every run always ends at a peak and not a valley? Looking back throughout my life, I could not remember one single run that ended in a valley. As I was finishing, about to stand on that peak today, hands in the air and a smile covering my face, I realized why. The valleys that are traveled through during a run, they’re just a path to get to the peak. We need the valleys, they are a necessity to travel from peak to peak. By finishing a run, by completing the mileage that was stated to run for that day, we fight through those valleys. By not staying in the valley shows our character, our determination, our drive to keep fighting, knowing that the valley we’re currently in is only a path, a route, and not our destination. 

The next time you’re on a run and find yourself in a valley, remember it’s only temporary. Don’t stop, keep moving forward and you will find that peak. And if you’re not a runner, still remember this, because I’m not talking about running here. 

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Pick up my book, The Educulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Transform Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Publishing.

Gym Shorts - February 11, 2020

Gym Shorts

By, Michael Earnshaw

February 11, 2020

@mearnshaw158

I took a “Brain Break” today and allowed a few minutes to tick by as I scrolled through Instagram. Yes, I know, we wouldn’t want our students to take a “Brain Break” by checking social media, but I consider it a little mid-day PD. I stumbled across a quote that got the wheels in my mind spinning. It’s actually attached itself to my mind and keeps reappearing, making me think more and more about its message. Here’s the quote:

sometimes it’s better to just let things be, let ppl go, don’t fight for closure, don’t ask for explanations, don’t chase answers, and don’t expect ppl to understand where you’re coming from. you got to keep fighting for you bc no one got you like you got yourself

Deep, right? I know. Now I can write about 17 blogs based off of this quote, and I just may. Like I said, it keeps nagging me like that mosquito bite in the summer that you thought was finally done itching, until you subconsciously began scratching again like a rare non-de-clawed house cat.

Tonight I’d like to share with you about a pair of running shorts of mine. They’re black and gray, Under Armour. I’ve had them since 2013, the year of my first marathon. They cost about $50, which was more than I’d ever like to pay for a pair of running shorts, but because I was planning on running for 26.2 miles for the first time I wanted to have a quality pair of shorts on my wheels.

The marathon training plan I followed was 18 weeks long. These shorts were purchased about 4 weeks into my training. I wore them for at least one mid-week run, every long run of the training plan, and finally the marathon. They held up and were definitely one of the nicest, most comfortable pairs of running shorts I ever donned on my legs.

Since that marathon in October of 2013 I have run four more full marathons and numerous half-marathons. Training plans have differed. Nutrition plans have differed. Running routes and playlists have differed. There was always one constant...my black and gray Under Armour shorts.

These shorts have been with me for every long run, every official race, and hundreds of lower mileage runs over the years. Until September of 2019.

“I got you something today when I was shopping,” was what my wife said as I helped to unpack the groceries she had just brought home, praying to find some tasty plant based junk food.

I gazed up at her. I was intrigued. “Oh yeah Babe, what’d you get me?”

“These!” and she pulled a solid black pair of running shorts out of a plastic bag.

My lips refused to part, yet a million letter combinations I can’t share in an educational blog were slam dancing in my mind. After a lifetime of 24 seconds passed, I had an inquiry.

“What are those for?”

My wife gave me the look like I’m an idiot. “Uuummm...to run in. Have you seen the shorts you run in, they look like Shredder from Ninja Turtles did your laundry. I just don’t get why you don’t wear the other pairs you have.”

“Because they aren’t the same. I’ve had mine forever. Fine. Alright. I’ll try them out. I guess I could use a new pair. Thanks, I do appreciate it,” and I gave her a kiss.

I did try these shorts out for a run. In fact, our first run together was 15 miles, so we had a good 150 minutes or so to get to know each other. We didn’t need that much time, after about 10 minutes I knew I had made a new friend for many miles to come.

So how does that quote I read on IG, my old worn out running shorts, and education go together? Simple.

Educators need to throw away what doesn’t work. 

Teachers that have been in the game for years have lessons that they have taught to every class they have ever had. They are comfortable with this lesson, they believe it’s their “Go To”. It was a hit, a success, an Oscar winner years ago and every student should be oh so blessed to get to experience it.

I’m sorry to say, not every movie that has won an Oscar still holds up, or ever did. Times change, audiences change, interests change, and the world changes.

My old running shorts were a security blanket, something that I had emotional ties to. I didn’t want to let them go. I thought they were the only pair of shorts that could get me through a multi-digit mile run or race. They aren’t. They’ve had their fair share of runs and it was time to put them away in my dresser and enjoy the comfort of a run with a new pair.

I’ve accepted that it’s alright to get new running shorts frequently. I don’t have to keep wearing the same pair over and over, mile after sweaty mile. I’ve learned to let go of what I was so comfortable with, figuratively and literally, and upgrade with the times. I didn’t realize how ineffective my original pair was until I tried on a new pair. My lower body is so thankful for the switch.

Educators, try new lessons, take new approaches, create new experiences that are out of your comfort zone for your students. Times have changed, students have changed, and now it’s time your lessons change.

All of my new(ish) shorts were dirty the other night I went for a 5 mile run. I grabbed that original pair out of my dresser, excited to relive some memories. Only the memories quickly faded as I realized these shorts were not the same after so many miles. They’ve run their race, past their expiration date. After I got home and ripped them off I vowed that was our last run together. I’m at peace with that. I’m letting go and not questioning why.

Educators, is there a lesson that it’s time to say goodbye to? 

Maui

Maui

November 20, 2018 

By, Michael Earnshaw

@mearnshaw158 

It’s that time of year where everyone is giving thanks to their loved ones, co-workers, & other individuals holding a special place in their hearts. Of course, I’m thankful for these people.  My wife, my rock, my mentor. My beautiful, healthy, busy children. Our caring families. My amazing staff that supports me and works hard for our students. My District Office that trusts me to do things my way. Our amazing students and parents that know our children are the future. If I wanted to be cliché, I'd write a whole blog on all of these. But that’s not me.  

I recently had the privilege of seeing Dave Burgess speak at his Teach Like a Pirate workshop. If you haven’t read the book, do so without hesitation, regardless of your role in education. This book is a game changer. If you get the honor to see Dave live, DO IT! His workshop is nothing but eye-popping motivation! I drink gallons of coffee a day. I wouldn’t leave to use the restroom unless it was a break. Yeah, that’s how good he was. During the workshop Dave discussed how his past, his background, has helped to mold him into the experience delivering educator he is. I pondered about this a lot, about my background. I came up with three aspects of me that I am thankful for that make me the leader I am today.  

Endurance. Ever since I joined the middle school track team I was a distance runner. This wasn’t by choice. I wanted to sprint the 100 M, do the hurdles, launch the shotput, you know, the exciting and entertaining events in track. My coaches at the time said Mike, “You’re doing the 800 and mile.” My first thought was, “Nobody is jumping out of their seat cheering for an underweight, gangly kid running around a track for 6-8 minutes.” I’ve been raised with the trait that you never quit something once you start. So, I stuck with it. And you know what, I was actually pretty good. I kept with it and ran cross country through high school, running on the varsity team as a freshman and sophomore, a pretty huge accomplishment! After college I began running again, multiple half-marathons & now 4 full 26.2s! The reason I’m thankful for my endurance racing background is that in my role as a leader, I’m constantly on the go. I’m up and down the halls with my mobile desk and skateboard. Getting down on the ground with students and working. Lots of long days. I typically try to get up at 4:15, get a run in or lift weights at the gym, go to school (I never call it work), and have some late evenings with meetings. When I get home I need to be there for my beautiful family, and my kids keep us active. If I didn’t have the grit and motivation to get through a 26.2 mile marathon, I may not successfully get through my days as a leader. The staff, parents, and most importantly the students, deserve me at my best.  

Punk rock. Punk rock changed my life, and it’s still affecting it for the positive. When I was a teenager it was bands like Rancid, The Suicide Machines, Good Riddance, and Propaghandi that got me through some rough patches. Hell, they still do. Music is my go-to whenever I’m stressed out or confused. I’m thankful for the punk rock attitude, the DYI ethos, that I have. For the first few years of my administrative career, I led like I thought I was supposed to lead, a cookie cutter. I wasn’t myself. This past year I have done things my way, ways that are unconventional, out of the box approaches. Faculty meetings are hands on, collaborative, culture building hours. I’ve been in my front office only 5% of the school year. Friday’s you can find me teaching some aspiring skateboarders tricks out on the back playground. I’m visible, working with staff as a teammate to solve those Rubik Cube puzzles we all encounter. Punk rock has taught me to not worry about the perceptions others have on you or what you're doing. I do my thing because I know it’s the right thing to do, even if it’s not what your “typical” principal does.  

Defamation of character. Ok, this isn’t as bad as it sounds, or maybe you will have your jaw jumping to the floor when you hear this story. Sticking with the middle school theme, when I was in 8th grade, the year I was introduced to punk rock, I had hair that liked to change colors depending on my mood. Sometimes green, sometimes blue, but never its original dirty blonde. As I was strolling down the hall with my crew, the principal at the time was standing next to a paraprofessional and whispered, “That kids gotta be on drugs.” Now you’re probably asking, “Mike, how do you know he said that?” Well, here’s how. That paraprofessional, she was my best friend’s mom! Yep, always think before you speak. Of course, my mom caused a stink, he had to meet with me and apologize, and then left our district at the end of the year. That comment has taught me the cliché saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” As a leader we need to accept differences in all our stakeholders. I know what it’s like to be judged and not taken seriously simply because of how I looked. I will never do that to a staff member, student, parent, or any human being. Oh, just so you know, that principal couldn’t have been more wrong. If he truly knew his students, he would’ve known I was an Honor Roll student that went on to take all Honor’s courses in high school. And I was straight edge, sXe. 

These traits have helped make me the leader I am. I’m thankful for my past, all the ups and downs. Some of these experiences left me confused and depressed at times, but now I see the light. Without them I wouldn’t be able to change the game, break the mold, and challenge the status quo. 

The Mentor

The Mentor 

October 12, 2018 

Michael Earnshaw
@mearnshaw158

Everyone needs a mentor, but not everyone can be a mentor. When choosing, or serving as one, it’s important to hold a few key characteristics. Mentors must provide guidance, be active listeners, collaborate to help solve issues, and pose reflective questioning for their mentee. No matter how long one has been in the game, everyone can, and will, benefit from a strong mentor.  

A few months back I was participating in a Twitter chat and we were posed the question, “Who is your mentor?” Without hesitation I responded with, “My wife!” My wife is my mentor for my role as a lead learner and Principal. There are many work situations that arise that I will not address until I get home and check with her. I believe that with her not thinking of the “best practices” that schools implement, and instead, thinking as not only a parent, but as a parent of a child with special needs, helps to give me perspectives I never would have thought of on my own coming from an education background.

On October 7, 2018, I came to realize that my wife is not only my mentor for work, but for life. She has never run more than 13.1 miles at a time, but on this cold, dreary, rainy day, she proved to be the best mentor I could ask for while running my 4th Chicago Marathon.  

I don’t care what anyone says, but no matter how many times one runs a marathon, they’re never truly ready. Yes, training and diet have been put in, but there are always factors that can change the expected outcome.  

The mentoring began on the evening of October 6, 2018 after coming home from a scrumptious pasta dinner provided by my sister-in-law. As I was getting my gear ready for race day morning my wife asked how I was feeling. I told her I was nervous. She knew what about, but her response was, “Well what are you nervous about?” I explained taking the train by myself, not knowing which stop to get off at, and the cold, breezy, rainy weather we were expecting. She knew there was more. Instead of just stating the obvious, she asked, “Is that it? Anything else?” I began to explain that I was nervous about the run. Honestly, this training season was less than stellar. I had great intentions at the beginning, but as the extremely warm and humid summer was in full effect, I found myself skipping many runs while pretending to be a pro pool volleyball player in our friend’s backyard. Healthy eating was out the window as well. I kept telling myself, “You’ve run this before, you got it. Start fresh Monday.” Well, one Monday turned into another, and then another. I got runs in, but not like I should have. My wife knew this, but still had me reflect and answer honestly. She responded with, “This probably won’t be your best time, but you will finish, and that’s ok. You’ll know what to do differently if you choose to run again.”  

The day of the race went worse than expected. The train ride I was nervous about was fine, but after I got through marathon security my left foot decided to go deep sea diving in a puddle. Before the race even started my sock and shoe were soaked. I was in Wave 1, so I was able to get an early start. About 1.5 miles in I began to feel a blister that had already formed on my toe. Guess which foot? Yep, the left. The pain was already borderline excruciating and my mind had already made up how the next 24 miles would go.  

Throughout the first 13.1 miles my watch displayed texts from my mentor like, “You’re doing great! Way to go! Keep it up!” I was able to see her and my friends at the halfway mark. She asked how it was going, how was I feeling? I responded, “Not good. My toe is killing me, I already feel a blister which is causing me to run funny and now everything in my right leg hurts.” She asked if I wanted a change of socks that she brought, but I refused since it had started raining again and they would just get soaked within a few minutes. We exchanged a kiss and she told me I'm doing fine and it’s ok if I needed to walk. Up to that point I hadn’t.  

The next mile my legs felt like lead and all I kept hearing over my music was my mentor's voice, “...it’s ok if you need to walk.” And that was the beginning of my demise. Once I started walking for a few feet I could never get back into a running groove. The next 11 miles were a combo of walking and jogging. Yes, I said it, jogging.  

Around mile 16 I actually contemplated quitting, but then I realized I didn’t even know where I was and it would be miles to get back to where I was going to meet my mentor afterwards. Plus, how could I quit when I’ve always taught my kids that once you commit to something you must see it through. I kept chugging along and came to the decision that my marathon career would be over after this one.  

I crossed the finish line in 4:29:27. I know, that’s not a bad time, and finishing a marathon, let alone in those dreary conditions, is an accomplishment. I’m upset with myself. Upset with my lack of training, lack of diet, and the ego I had all training season that I would be fine since I've run 3 marathons before. I let myself down.  

That night, in the comfort of our home, my mentor asked, “How are you feeling?” When I explained how I was upset with myself she didn’t respond with an, “I told you so.” Instead she asked, “Well, what do you need to change? Do you want to continue running like this? If so, what do you need to do differently?” She knew the answers to all these questions, she always does. But being the great mentor she is, she put the questions on me so I must self-reflect.  

My wish is that as school leaders we all remember what it means to be an effective mentor: provide guidance, active listening, collaboration to help solve issues, and pose reflective questioning. As leaders we serve as mentors to many, and may also be in charge of finding additional mentors for those we serve. 

My mentor has all these characteristics and uses them with all aspects of my life.  This has made me a better leader, servant, husband, father, runner, and individual. I can’t thank her enough and will be looking to her for the 2019 Chicago Marathon and many more lifetimes together. I hope you find yours.