our core beliefs: a living document

outfit details

teacher tee: Keen Bee Studio | jeans:loft (24 p) | shoes: converse | planner: 4TheLoveofPI

One of the hardest things I’ve endured as a teacher is finding ways to live out my beliefs… especially when sometimes I don’t know what they even look like to me… or how they will be perceived by others.

A couple months ago I shared 10 of my beliefs on an instagram post. I think it’s important for us to revisit our beliefs every once in a while and make adjustments based off what learning we’ve experienced since… our beliefs are really a living document of our experiences. Every day I learn something new and through those experiences my beliefs grow alongside me. Some have more meaning now, some have not changed, and some may get ditched all together… or replaced with something new. That’s the beauty of believing every day is a new day. I will be revisiting my beliefs every so often to make the appropriate adjustments… here are 10 of my core beliefs– what are some of yours?

1. I believe inclusion means ALL- in all rooms, in all places, where all students get their needs met.

2. I believe my classroom is a classroom, NOT a location for services. 

3. I believe students need less saviors and more advocates. 

4. I believe teachers sense of belonging is just as important as our students sense of belonging. 

5. I believe teachers should only be working for their students and families… anything else (data, administrators, approval from colleagues, afraid of lawsuits, district initiatives, etc) shouldn’t matter unless it aligns with what your students need.

6. I believe that sometimes the person quietly sitting next to you can be even more powerful than the person you see standing up for you.

7. I believe a student with the most challenging behavior is the best communicator in the class + that all behavior is communication. 

8. I believe dreams only work with an incredible amount of team work… and all voices sitting around the table should have equal weight.

9. I believe some days the best thing you can teach is your own story of resilience and finding purpose…

10. And I believe it truly only takes one unwavering commitment from an adult to reshape the self-worth of a child… and if you’re not the adult for that child, it’s okay, there’s still 25 (estimate) adults that have an opportunity to be.

with kindness | ashley