In ThIs Issue Emotional well-being is essential to a healthy life – and especially critical during times of crisis. As the pandemic wears on, it upends so many of the activities and practices that help us maintain emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. This issue of PAGE One addresses the many ways you are taking care of yourself and others as we all learn new ways of doing work, connecting with students and peers, and finding ways to stay positive and hopeful. The culture and practice of education are based on relationships, demonstrations, face-to-face interaction, and reaction to the dynamics of learning moments. All of those foundational elements are hampered with social distancing, faces and expressions covered by masks, and virtual learning. On top of that, new ways of work take more time for planning and, for some, more time for instruction as they juggle in-person and virtual classes. In our feature story, educators from throughout Georgia describe how they cultivate calm inside and outside the classroom and the strategies they’ve developed to lessen the sense of isolation from students and peers.
new session of the General Assembly getting under way, you’ll learn more about how the legislative task force developed the PAGE priorities for this session, what the PAGE lobbying team has accomplished over the last few years, how the legislative process works, and how your voice matters on critical issues for educators and public education. And, in an example of how educator advocacy makes a positive difference for students, our PAGE president shares a story of success for a student who needed someone in his corner. Finally, we encourage you to apply for a 2021 PAGE scholarship or educator grant. These awards provide funds to assist with career advancement, professional development, and resources for you, your team, or your school. Check out the member opportunity pages for application details and insight from a few 2020 recipients as to how they’ve utilized these awards. Thanks for all you do every day to take care of yourself, each other, and your students.
One of the key coping strategies to battle stress, anxiety, and isolation is busying your mind and hands with something else. Renewed interest — or new interest — in hobbies provides comfort for many. In Peaceful Pursuits, educators share many of the creative ways they’re discovering to get through this difficult time. Craig Advocacy plays a role in making things better for you, for students, and for public education. In the legal column, you’ll find guidance on how to approach individual issues with workplace concerns. And, with a 2 PAGE ONE
Harper Executive Director
January 2021
