That’s a brilliant article, Courtney. I’m going to promote it as widely as I can. And I’m so glad you’re going to take a sabbatical! May it be a time of deep renewal for you, and a time to soak up all the gratitude so many of us have for you, your work, your spirit! Lots of love to the whole fam...
I had a whole quotation from your book Healing the Heart of Democracy in there but it got cut because of space reasons! It is such an amazing example of the public layer that exists between the private and the Political and how necessary it is, right?!
Well, Courtney, as someone who is actively engaged in trying to head off the "culture wars" by co-founding "Grandmas for Love" in Lititz, PA . . . and as someone about to turn 75 years old . . . this was a perfect offering for me. I have shared all over the place, sent a comment to the CSM, and now am sending blessings to you for your sabbatical.
You + Kelly Corrigan is a perfect pairing. I appreciate you both for your nuanced, solutions-oriented stories. These stories must be told, moreover people want to read them. We WANT and NEED energizing sources of hope, and reminders about our own power and agency to help build the world we want to live in.
I want to join your other readers in wishing you a truly fulfilling sabbatical! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a leave after such dedication to magnificent writing, that’s consistently inspiring and engaging. I’ll remain a devoted fan! DD
Congrats on the CSM cover story, Courtney. Beautiful portrait of so many things, but especially the current state of the school system. I really loved the solid ground metaphor and how it encapsulated the breadth of stakeholders in public education. I also recently watched the recording of your conversation with Sharon Salzberg for the Authentic Life Summit. I have been trying to lean into framing the current state as a temporary season of contraction, in hopes that expansion is just around the corner. I entered my teaching career just before NCLB; what’s happening now feels too familiar to me. So familiar that I also will be taking some time off. Wishing you a restorative sabbatical. 💛
Deeply gratified by your article about the culture wars. is that the best meme? i think of George Lakoff’s wisdom about how we language. I think you gave us a narrative about “culture wars” that shows we could use new thinking. The fabric of sensibility and resilient care in the human species shines forth and is rooted in stories of many more people who often don’t show up to “do battle.” We might be invited to show up to open the story up.❤️
As someone who is currently in the final phases of my own sabbatical, I am always glad to hear when other people are taking time off. Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable break. We'll be here in September, too.
Only not to try to make it "productive". That was my mistake at the beginning. I felt the need to still have some kind of plan, to use the time wisely and come out of the break with something. But once I let go of the pressure I was putting myself under, it was much better and ironically more productive.
Thx for researching and writing this article, so well done with great images--both visual and in vignettes of community gathering for common purposes. I appreciate the free access to the whole article.. keep up the good witness!
I’m happy to support your writing, so will definitely share this. You are one of the writers I admire and respect. And you also once made ME cry in a public library parking lot! 😄 I hope you enjoy a much-deserved break and come back rested and refreshed.
That’s a brilliant article, Courtney. I’m going to promote it as widely as I can. And I’m so glad you’re going to take a sabbatical! May it be a time of deep renewal for you, and a time to soak up all the gratitude so many of us have for you, your work, your spirit! Lots of love to the whole fam...
I had a whole quotation from your book Healing the Heart of Democracy in there but it got cut because of space reasons! It is such an amazing example of the public layer that exists between the private and the Political and how necessary it is, right?!
Well, Courtney, as someone who is actively engaged in trying to head off the "culture wars" by co-founding "Grandmas for Love" in Lititz, PA . . . and as someone about to turn 75 years old . . . this was a perfect offering for me. I have shared all over the place, sent a comment to the CSM, and now am sending blessings to you for your sabbatical.
Thank you thank you! I hope Grandmas for Love finds this approach instructive. I think it is brilliant and replicable.
You + Kelly Corrigan is a perfect pairing. I appreciate you both for your nuanced, solutions-oriented stories. These stories must be told, moreover people want to read them. We WANT and NEED energizing sources of hope, and reminders about our own power and agency to help build the world we want to live in.
I want to join your other readers in wishing you a truly fulfilling sabbatical! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a leave after such dedication to magnificent writing, that’s consistently inspiring and engaging. I’ll remain a devoted fan! DD
Congrats on the CSM cover story, Courtney. Beautiful portrait of so many things, but especially the current state of the school system. I really loved the solid ground metaphor and how it encapsulated the breadth of stakeholders in public education. I also recently watched the recording of your conversation with Sharon Salzberg for the Authentic Life Summit. I have been trying to lean into framing the current state as a temporary season of contraction, in hopes that expansion is just around the corner. I entered my teaching career just before NCLB; what’s happening now feels too familiar to me. So familiar that I also will be taking some time off. Wishing you a restorative sabbatical. 💛
Thank you for the contraction and expansion framing. Such a helpful one. And thank you for being a teacher!
Deeply gratified by your article about the culture wars. is that the best meme? i think of George Lakoff’s wisdom about how we language. I think you gave us a narrative about “culture wars” that shows we could use new thinking. The fabric of sensibility and resilient care in the human species shines forth and is rooted in stories of many more people who often don’t show up to “do battle.” We might be invited to show up to open the story up.❤️
As someone who is currently in the final phases of my own sabbatical, I am always glad to hear when other people are taking time off. Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable break. We'll be here in September, too.
Thank you. Any advice Elena?!
Only not to try to make it "productive". That was my mistake at the beginning. I felt the need to still have some kind of plan, to use the time wisely and come out of the break with something. But once I let go of the pressure I was putting myself under, it was much better and ironically more productive.
Also, I found this helpful https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-the-transformative-power-of-sabbaticals
Thx for researching and writing this article, so well done with great images--both visual and in vignettes of community gathering for common purposes. I appreciate the free access to the whole article.. keep up the good witness!
I’m happy to support your writing, so will definitely share this. You are one of the writers I admire and respect. And you also once made ME cry in a public library parking lot! 😄 I hope you enjoy a much-deserved break and come back rested and refreshed.
excellent article.....plus so glad to be reminded about the Monitor.
also excellent to take time off. Will be eager to hear how it goes.
proud to watch your progress as always.
Deeply gratified by your article about the culture wars. is that the best meme? i think of George Lak
Love that I’ve been hearing about ‘summer breaks’ of all kinds from so many people that I admire lately -- and looking forward to my own. Enjoy!
Wishing you a restorative time away. Your work is important. Self-care is essential. And remember to be silly! 💕
Congrats for the article.
Enjoy, enjoy your sabbatical.
May you have much rest and restoration.....and fun!