“Another Op’nin‘, Another Show…”

I used to do theater camp. That is a line from a number we once performed. Can you name the musical?

[Kiss me, Kate is right!]

School starts Tuesday. Another opening. Another show. My 18th first day of school. How does a veteran teacher prepare now that the bulletin boards, slide shows, and file folders require less attention? By cultivating “Beginner’s Mind”. Beginner’s Mind is a Zen concept that refers to the ability to come to the meditation cushion with an open mind and a fresh attitude. It requires that we let go of any preconceived notions and view this moment as one ripe with the potential for anything to happen.

Here is a video featuring mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn explaining a bit more:

This concept feels especially important because our school is experiencing a transition in leadership. Our Head of School retired after 29 years, and we have hired another person to take the helm. I am incredibly hopeful that this transition will go well. I like the person we chose and deeply believe in his qualifications and vision. I am excited for what lies ahead. This school year will not be like any of the previous three I’ve spent in this community. Fresh ground is being tilled and new seeds will be planted. I get to be a part of the process and contribute. What an opportunity!

My role at the school is also changing a bit. For the first time, I will teach one grade and one subject: 7th grade English. I am looking forward to having the time and bandwidth to dive deep. Starting with Beginner’s Mind naturally leads to curiosity. I wonder what I will discover about myself, about our books, about reading and writing, and about this age group with additional focus. By acknowledging that I do not know it all yet, I open to the many revelations that await. There is joy to be found in humility.

One way that I have been nurturing this fresh perspective is to push myself into uncomfortable spaces. This summer, I ran a storytelling workshop for graduate students. I accepted an offer to keynote a literacy event. I participated in a second year of the Anaphora Literary Arts Residency, submitting my poetry this time so I could learn from truly great teachers like Chris Abani, Marilyn Nelson, Matthew Shinoda, and Ruben Quesada. (P.S. There is another one scheduled for February. Apply!)

All of these experiences keep me from becoming too jaded about teaching and learning. It is truly glorious to uncover new parts of the self, and I get to do that everyday with some of the best adolescents on earth. Sure, it is unpredictable, messy, emotional work, but what a gift! Beginner’s Mind is a perspective we can develop about anything, in any moment or situation. What in your life could use new eyes? What might it be like to open them?

News and Reviews:

Thank you to everyone who came out to the readings and book signings this summer in Los Angeles and Martha’s Vineyard. It meant to the world to see you, talk to you, and feel the support.

In July, Nearer My Freedom was discussed as a potential notable children’s book. I missed the discussion but if you know how I might view the recording, I would be grateful for that information.

Next week, I will be giving the keynote address at incredible hybrid event for International Literacy Day, hosted by Chemonics International, Reading Partners, and Room to Read,

Then in October, I will be presenting at the Inaugural USA Festival of Education.

Hope to see you out and about this fall!