This next stage (Stage 2) on The Path of Progress™ is: "Self Awareness." 

Because knowing what WE bring to our interactions is key for trauma-informed teaching.

Our energy, our attitudes, our beliefs, our projections, our experiences. All of this influences how we show up and how we “see” our kiddos.

Oh, and for the record… Being “self-aware” isn’t just about being “woke.” In fact, you can be fairly woke and not have an ounce of self-awareness. Being woke requires knowing about certain lived experiences and cultural truths that exist in our society today. Being self-aware requires being connected to who you are, how you feel and what experiences live inside your body and mind.

So, I named Stage 2: "Self-Awareness." Because in order for us to show up for our students with compassion, agility, thoughtfulness and intention, we have to be able to identify what emotional “stuff” we are carrying around or are harboring inside. 

So, if you're wanting to track where YOU are in Stage 2: Self-Awareness, take a look at each of these sub-stages to determine where you are today and where you'll be moving to next: 

• Early-Stage: Develop a curiosity and awareness of what perspectives, beliefs and emotions you bring to your classroom.
• Mid-Stage: Identify emotional and physiological triggers and hot zones on a daily basis.
• End-Stage: Utilize your personal check-in tool routinely to gauge internal state and needs.

I think this week’s episode will give you a lot to think about, and will hopefully have you asking yourself some important questions about what you, personally, bring to your classroom and your interactions.

In it, you’ll learn…

1. My two important add-ons to the Miriam Webster definition of “Self Awareness.”
2. A personal story about how lacking self-awareness can harm, and growing self-awareness can heal.
3. Each sub-stage within Stage 2, and how you can identify where you are now!

Click here to listen!

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Free Master Class: The Top 10 Truths Every Teacher Needs to Know About Trauma