Build Your Impossible

In 2020, I focused on "Chasing the Impossible," and then it got personal. I decided to focus on and fall in love with my life and what I am doing. I changed, "Chasing to Build" and "The to Your". While my dreams have changed over the years—some of which I am no longer pursuing, and some I continue to strive for today. From an Olympic gymnast, to a professional basketball player, avid reader, and world-renowned journalist working alongside Barbara Walters (my Gandma told me it was possible), to becoming a full-time teacher, mom, aspiring author, and accomplished marathon runner, with room for the unknown—the feeling that the dream is still alive empowers me. Today, I live in that dream and love where I am, but I know there is more to do and more impossible to build. It is easy to overlook the simple, seemingly insignificant words that fill our conversations, books, and even thoughts. Hidden, simple words often blend into the background, overshadowed by the

Life is good, and lessons are everywhere. I appreciate that so many educators who podcast, blog, and create online content remind me of different ways I can keep track of my learning. Reflecting on what I have learned and sharing these takeaways helps reinforce the value of lifelong learning and the impact we can make on others. Incorporating wisdom from a number of people I respect has benefited me greatly. For example, George Couros’ Instagram posts, where he shares what he has learned recently, are particularly impactful. Reflecting on these lessons and documenting what I learn with a dated Google Document on my phone, as Lauren Kaufman advises, has become an invaluable practice. Being able to reflect is a privilege, and it facilitates amazing growth.  Recently, I attended a graduation party for a student about to embark on a journey with the Marines. As he prepares for boot camp, he’s able to bring very few personal items. His parents had a thoughtful idea: they provided a booklet

Connecting the Kentucky Derby and Academic Goal Setting Imagine goal setting as the Kentucky Derby, a prestigious horse race where preparation, strategy, and determination come into play. Just like jockeys and horses aim for the finish line, students strive to achieve their academic goals. Setting goals for the NWEA MAP test (Northwest Evaluation Association-Measures of Academic Progress, which is administered three times a year) can be compared to preparing for a derby race, where each stage of the race mirrors different phases of goal setting and achievement throughout the school year. The Derby can be compared to breakdown goal setting for other large tests, assignments, or projects during the year. The Starting Gate - Fall Test: Establishing Baseline Scores and Initial Goals In the fall, students enter the "starting gate" by taking the initial NWEA MAP test. This assessment establishes their baseline scores, which serve as a reference point for setting their initial goals