PrefaceIgnite Hope Now!
Education is our calling
In our students, we believe
We’re giving everything we’ve got
Yet still, some don’t achieve
We see kids living in adversity
In the light of each tomorrow
Experiences we can’t imagine
Such hurt and fear and sorrow
Academics are important,
Yes, test scores must be improved
But kids will find it tough to learn
If they are hungry, hurting, or abused
So much falls upon our shoulders
More placed on our plates each day
Yet in our hands, our students rest
We can help them find their way
As we embark upon our lessons
Of reading, writing, science, and math
We can ignite hope for our young people
If we place character upon their path
You see,
We can teach them through our actions,
To be human above all things
To serve others with love and integrity
And feel the joy and hope this brings
And hope is certainly essential
In the lives of all our kids
But it is up to us to ignite it
To light the flame that lives within
It starts with understanding
That their lives are not like ours
We must meet them where they are today
Find their strengths, then raise the bar
It is not up to us to “fix them”
Or correct what’s tough at home
But we can teach them to accept themselves
And help them know they’re not alone
We can love them and respect them,
Teach them to act responsibly,
We can model compassion and acceptance
And challenge them to think more critically
It’s not up to us to change them,
Rather, the environment in which they learn
Let our classrooms be their safe place,
To question, explore, discern
We can truly make a difference
Starting with the Heart, our fervent vow
And with SEL as the foundation
We can ignite HOPE in our schools now!
About the Author
Michelle L. Trujillo, MEd, is an author, inspirational speaker, and educational consultant. “Mrs. T,” as she is known to her students and reading audience, makes a tangible, sustainable, and positive difference through her books, keynotes, and training seminars. She shares enthusiasm, experience, and applicable takeaways with her audience, while she imparts a philosophy that ignites hope in schools and the workplace. Named Nevada’s 2017 Innovative Educator of the Year, Michelle has appeared on television (including Oprah) and radio across the nation as a guest expert. Her keynotes and trainings leave audiences enthused, inspired, deeply touched, and wanting more. Feel free to contact Michelle at www.ignitinghopenow.com to schedule her as a speaker or workshop leader.
Introduction Social, Emotional, and Academic Development: A Way of Being
She was obviously tired. She came to school that morning appearing dirty and disheveled. But, she came to school. Through tears of frustration, she explained she had slept on a park bench the night before. She had tried to go home, but her mom was doing a drug deal and locked her out of the house. So, she walked to the park and eventually fell asleep on a bench, alone and cold. When the sun came up, she walked to school. Her mom didn’t know where she was, and in her opinion, her mom didn’t care . . . but, she came to school. Why? Why did she choose to show up, when others might have chosen to go to a friend’s house or wander aimlessly? Because it wasn’t just about school, it was that at school, she was connected. This beautifully rebellious, wildly stubborn, and woefully broken-hearted teenager came to school because she knew that we expected her, that we wanted her, and that we cared. This connection she felt did not happen naturally. It was a connection born in intention and effort. Connection that makes a difference in the lives of human beings must be conscientious. To be conscientious is to be mindful, intentional, or attentive. To truly be connected, we need to start with the heart in a true effort to see others for who they are on the inside, and appreciate and value them as such. This is imperative in the school setting, because when we as educators sincerely connect with each other and with our students, we set a tone for belonging, living, and learning that is impactful and potentially life-changing.
As I look back on my career as a teacher and an administrator, I realize I was blessed to live and love my vocation. To me, it was never a job, or work I dreaded. Instead, it inspired me, filled me with joy. I believe there was a reason for this. The students at the alternative education high school where I served as a principal said it best. When asked why they were able to find success at our school when most had not achieved academically nor personally prior to enrolling with us, one word resounded again and again: family! They said that when they became students at our school, they felt accepted into a family that would love them, hold them to high expectations, and provide them with a second chance. That doesn’t mean it was easy or that immediate positive change occurred. Yet, our school family provided the students, and staff for that matter, with a connection to something greater than themselves. We were connected by a common purpose as we aspired to pursue integrity, responsibility, and education. I use the word we purposely. The administration, counselors, teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, support staff, students, parents, the school board, and community members all knew that we were stronger together than any of us were individually. We had more talents, expertise, and gifts when combined. We knew our chance for success increased exponentially when we chose to encourage, support, and challenge one
