EDT598 — And so, it begins!
I will start by saying this.
I am going to regret not being able to give you a high five or a fist bump.
I have come to the conclusion, over time, that those acts of acknowledgement, support, and celebration are key to my success and well-being in a professional environment.

My first few years of teaching were difficult for me. Coming into a school climate where many educators were veterans and had been together for years, I frequently felt detached from their professional environment and struggled to find a way to communicate with them to support my own growth. I later switched positions within the school and found exactly what I needed as an educator.
I need to be a part of a teaching community, with open communication and problem solving, and designated time to discuss and conference with others.
I am naturally a very positive and enthusiastic person. I love high fives, woohoos, and fist bumps; I love those things because I thrive in a supportive team environment. I am critical thinking over criticizing, fist bumps over pointed fingers.

I need that positive environment to thrive, so that when I do make a mistake or things don’t work out, which WILL and DOES happen, I can give myself the space I need to grow. I would describe myself as a “recovering perfectionist”, which really has always just been the aforementioned anxiety. I have worked very hard to give myself permission to fail, and therefore permission to grow and change.
The most authentic and fun learning environments should, in my opinion, encourage learners to make mistakes, and get messy. That mess is a part of growth, and the expectation that I can grow as an educator without getting my feet a bit muddy is not healthy, realistic, or sustainable. Hence, the puddle.
Part of being a team is problem solving together. I would consider myself a problem solver. I love, I dare say, “jumping in” to a problem, and working through it. My hope over this course is that we may find a way to work together, problem solve together, and become more competent and confident educators. I am ready to be a part of this team of educators as learners. And that brings me to my question.
In a digital world, and an online course, how do we fist bump or high five? How can I show you that you are awesome and that your thoughts are appreciated? How do I show YOU that I am on your team?
