In the Choose Love Curriculum, Courage is defined as the willingness and ability to work through obstacles despite feeling embarrassment, fear, reluctance, or uncertainty. When you practice courage, you make positive choices even when it may be difficult for you. It takes courage to express our feelings, make ethical choices, tell the truth, admit mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and to be kind. This is especially true when others might not be leading by example.  This month, we will shift our inward facing courage outward.  We will demonstrate our courage as we work to help each other in our relationships, friendships, and teams.

When school culture values courage, whole communities can work together to take healthy risks. This, in turn, develops high-trust learning environments. Practice small acts of courage with your colleagues, family/caregivers, and yourself. It’s the small things that can make a big difference.

For example:

• Modeling courage lets students know that it’s okay to reach out for support.
  

• Exchange open and honest feedback with coworkers.

• Pause to acknowledge your own fears and vulnerabilities. This cultivates connection and it can open doors for others to do the same.

• Bring your whole self to work:

  What activities, causes, and passions do you have that are appropriate to share with your school community? Do you recycle? Bike to work? Play a sport? Like to knit? Allow your students and coworkers toget to know you, not only as an educator but as a fellow community member with diverse interests, challenges, and creative insights.