The first line of the email reads: “This month, we turn our attention to hope.” That grabbed me.
It came from a newsletter by Greater Good in Education: Science-Based Practices for Kinder, Happier Schools, and it instantly caught my attention. Hope? I can always use more of that. What about you?
Home Office and Hope
Last spring, I filled my little home “office” with items that reflect hope. One wall hanging simply says: Hope Can Never Be Canceled. Another is more personal. I was raised in a home marked by anger, a reality that has shaped much of my adult life. But about a year before I married, I became a follower of Jesus after discovering the truth of Scripture. One verse, in particular, brought hope without harm:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Looking Forward to Fall Offers Us Hope
The newsletter’s author drew me in with a thought-provoking reminder:
“As we move through July, a time when many educators are recharging and reflecting, we’re reminded of the power of hope. Hope is an action and a muscle we can strengthen to become better versions of ourselves as learners and leaders.”
That imagery struck me; hope as a muscle we can build. Even though I’m no longer in the classroom, I’m still involved in training and preparation. Summer is our time to reflect, plan, and strengthen those muscles for the year ahead. Our restorative practices training team has two major planning sessions this summer. Among other things, we’ll be asking:
- How are school sites doing with restorative practices?
- How are the adults, administrators, teachers, and staff, and scholars doing socially, emotionally, physically, and academically? How’s their mental health and resiliency?
- What lingering effects of COVID-19 are we still seeing in education?
Covid-19 and Class of 2038
This year’s kindergarteners were born just before or during the early stages of the pandemic. Most didn’t have to wear masks for long periods. They’ve learned to speak with clear sounds, not muffled ones. They’ve read emotions from full faces, not just eyes. Most were able to attend daycares, preschools, visit grocery stores, and attend church. For many, the trauma of a pandemic world won’t be something they remember.
Back when COVID-19 first disrupted our schools, I asked fellow educators, “How long do you think COVID will impact education?” The answers varied. But I’ve come to believe this:
Although the impact of COVID-19 will diminish over time, its effects will still shape the lives of today’s kindergarteners until they graduate from high school.
Moving Forward with Hope
That’s why the article titled “Moving Forward with Hope” meant so much to me. It encouraged readers to:
- Identify one goal rooted in your personal values,
- Name three concrete steps to reach it,
- Anticipate one obstacle per step—and plan how to overcome each’ and
- Finally, use your senses to imagine what success would feel like.
Research Based Resources
There’s a related student version activity for high school and college students. What I love about Greater Good in Education’s tools is their structure:
- Planning for It
- How to Do It
- The Research Behind It
That last part really speaks to me. As a trainer, having research-based resources builds my confidence when sharing something new.
For me, this fall represents hope. I’m looking forward to a season of goal-setting, action steps, and preparation, with values guiding the way and hope fueling the journey.
What is giving you hope as you prepare for a new school year?
I’d love to hear from you.
Sources
- Moving Forward with Hope Handout. No author, June. NOTE: This is an adapted version of the “Moving Forward with Hope” practice featured in the final chapter of the book Surviving Teacher Burnout by Amy L. Eva. https://ggie.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Moving_Forward_with_Hope_Handout.pdf
- Moving Forward with Hope. No author or date. https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/moving-forward-with-hope/
- Image: tenguxchan CM-Hope-Tattoo-211755860 [deviantart.com]