A YEAR IN REVIEW
IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE WE’RE HERE!
And reflecting on what has transpired across our communities, country and globe during 2020 is frankly, quite overwhelming.
We continue to be deeply inspired by the resilience of early learning professionals in these trying times.
We know it has not been easy and we hope you feel pride in the ways you have shown up, and continue to show up, for children and families in our community.
You are truly unsung heroes.
While 2020 started out uneventfully, what resulted is the most extraordinary year we have ever had! Strive only hosted 13 events in-person this year. For perspective, in 2019, we offered 78 in-person professional learning opportunities. Without warning or preparation, we had to quickly pivot to online offerings, and, along with the rest of the world, adapt to new ways of being, working and connecting.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have offered 42 virtual events and added 16 new online resources to our Member’s Platform. We also created and shared Professional Learning while Social Distancing which 1430 of you utilized!
Needless to say, despite all the barriers, YOU showed up! Your dedication to your profession is remarkable.
We could not have done any of it without the support and guidance of our Advisory Committee, Professional Learning Committees, and the early learning community. We are so thankful.
We are already hard at work planning for a new year of exciting opportunities for learning, growth, reflection and community in 2021. Not to mention, our biggest and most beloved annual tradition, Winter Rethink! With circumstances being what they are and with so much uncertainty still remaining, we have made the difficult, albeit necessary, decision to plan for a virtual Winter Rethink. We have never planned or facilitated a large-scale virtual event and we are reeling with nerves and excitement for what possibilities this decision may hold. We are literally rethinking Winter Rethink!
For many of us, this holiday season is likely to look quite different and with that may come a sense of loss. That’s normal and perfectly understandable. Yet, we still can (and very much need to) stay connected. Think about the traditions you value and reflect on why they matter to you. What makes them important? What do you want to embrace, even if it looks different this year? What are you willing to let go of? Get outside and get creative! Focus on joy. Take stock in what you have. Be graceful with yourselves and with others.
Breathe. Smile. Rest.
Thank you for joining us in Leading Inspired Learning. We look forward to connecting again in 2021!
Wishing you a healthy and peaceful holiday season,
What are you reflecting on as we leave this year behind? Leave us a comment below!