鈥淚t isn鈥檛 the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out. It鈥檚 the pebble in your shoe.鈥澛犫�� Muhammad Ali
This past year we鈥檝e climbed mountains. Again and again, faculty, students, and staff across our campus have met the many challenges posed by the pandemic. While there is much to feel proud about, it is likewise important to acknowledge that this year has taken a toll. For many teachers, the 鈥減ebble in your shoe鈥� is the insecurity we experience trying to connect with all students meaningfully compared to the reality of occasionally fumbling in that process.听
Not only is this a time to be kind to our students as they navigate the unexpected, but also ourselves as the curators of learning spaces. Offering support to others boosts well-being and adds a refresh to our classrooms. It is a powerful antidote to the weariness we may be experiencing.听
This issue of the CTL newsletter offers small steps one can take in the classroom: suggestions to reinvigorate your teaching, reignite student receptivity and enthusiasm, and infuse something new into the classroom. As we enter these final weeks of the spring semester it鈥檚 never too late to re-imagine what鈥檚 possible!
Wishing you strength, laughter, patience, and rest,
Donna Mejia
Associate Professor of Theatre & Dance
Affiliate Faculty, WGST and ETHN
Faculty Fellow, Center for Teaching & Learning
Faculty Fellow, Crown Wellness Institute
Kirk Ambrose聽
Professor of Art History
Founding Faculty Director, Center for Teaching & Learning
