We have all seen the challenges posted on social media or overheard a colleague who is on a 30-day challenge. Maybe they are changing what they eat for 30 days or doing the 30-day push-up challenge. Either way you know what I mean. I know you have thought about it or even completed one or two of these challenges. Here are a few other versions you might be familiar with, “A two-minute challenge is a problem that arises at work that requires you to respond, usually in two minutes or less.” Or a two-minute challenge may be an exercise. You can do it at work, at home, in the airport – absolutely anywhere you are!
Now that I have your attention, you might be wondering what is this two-minute (ish) challenge all about? Really, it is pretty simple. Find a piece of paper and something to write with, tablet or computer, next find a timer, anyone will do. When you are ready, set the timer and make a list of all the things you are thinking of right now, might be school related or life related. Ready, go.
Write for one minute.
Here is my list…
Interviews
Portfolios
Evaluations
Report cards
Retention
SAT meetings
IEP meetings
504 meetings
Staff morale
End of year
Next year 2017-2018
Summer
Family
Now take one more minute and add those things that wake you up at night to the list…
Leadership Day
Invitations
Promotion ceremonies
Staff retention
New staff
6th grade scholars
Observations
Opportunities for teacher growth
Doing right by our scholars
Conflicts or concerns with or between staff
What does your list look like? How does it feel to put these things onto paper and acknowledge them? For me it feels good to have a set time to write and then stop, but now what? If you are anything like me the last quarter or any quarter of the school year is hectic and can become very overwhelming. Writing these thoughts down does not make them go away or magically fix them. So, here is where the two-minute (ish) part of the challenge comes into play. I invite you to take two more minutes and add a commitment or possible solution to each item or as many items as you can in that time. I am going to cut and paste my list and add solutions or thoughts in italics…
Ready two-minutes, go!
Interviews schedule and reach out to candidates making personal connection
Portfolios – reflect on process for 2017-2018 year to change
Evaluations – schedule a head of time beginning over summer
Report cards – teachers
Retention – reflect on process for 2017-2018 year to change
SAT meetings
IEP meetings
504 meetings – reschedule so they are not the first or last months of school
Staff morale – staff survey, incorporate more team activities
End of year – breathe
Next year 2017-2018 – keep notebook for next year and write down thoughts
Summer – begin with end in mind & plan
Family – schedule family time/ balance
Leadership Day
Invitations
Promotion ceremonies
Staff retention
New staff
6th grade scholars
Observations
Opportunities for teacher growth
Doing right by our scholars
Conflicts or concerns with or between staff
ESSA
Title II
So how do you feel, now? I feel a little less anxious and have been able to sort my ideas into lists that are applicable right now and those that can wait until later. I am wondering if this is something I can do more frequently when I feel anxiety increasing throughout the week. What do you think, was this challenge helpful?
Jen Robinson
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