One-Word for 2026
December 8, 2025 – The Fall 2025 Term Ends
Oops. I missed a week of blogging. It was the final stretch of the fall term. I could not (or did not) prioritize my weekly blog. Rest seems to be of high priority, next to closing off my classes. I am really happy how my classes ended even though I still need to distribute my course evaluation form for a couple of classes. It was a tech issue, which I think is now resolved (meaning, I figured it out). I should be sending them out soon, but on weekends, I have accustomed myself to take the “be a person” time and enjoy every moment… and to REST, which I needed. No regrets, just shopping.
So, what I am doing this week is accepting final assignments for the classes I taught this term. I finished teaching last week (and launched a research project with hopes of folks participating… TBD). I was so happy how each of my classes ended. It was unexpected, meaning, I am always adapting and reflecting in my practice. It’s difficult to stick to a course syllabus when things change over time (i.e., stat holidays, opportunities, and broken plans). Although the course syllabus is a contract between me and the students, I am so grateful that they are so willing to adapt and go with the flow. Sometimes I think it’s more me who is having troubles with change rather than the students. As a result, I felt self-conscious or worried that I was not “on the right track.” Needless to say, I think the classes went well and this term flew by (with a whole bunch of things on the go).
My Tuesday night class ended with our last roundtable (i.e., chapter reflections) and formative presentation of their infographic. My Wednesday night class ended with their infographic presentations and then a guest speaker from the school district. That was so amazing. I am so grateful. And finally, my Thursday morning class ended with the members of the district student advisory committee. Nine high school students came to the university with the lead teacher and school administrator to share their thoughts about teaching and learning and encouraging the teacher candidates to FIND THEIR WHY for teaching. The conversations and presentations were thoughtful, candid, and playful. I appreciated their willingness to step away from school in the morning to be with us and they planned and facilitated the whole morning. The “adults in the room” supported these students, but really we just created space for them to have voice. The teacher candidates enjoyed the session. It was a powerful morning and a great way to end the term.
Which brings me to the topic of this week’s (or last week’s) blog post. This year (i.e., 2025), it took me a long time to figure out my One-Word. I like to do One-Word as a means of goal setting, or dare I say, set a new year’s resolution. It’s a word that I can focus on and develop over time. It’s not specific enough to get disappointed of unachieved expectations, but specific enough to stay focussed and have opportunities to reflect and discern how things are going. This year’s #OneWord2025 was LOVE. And yes, I feel that I have fully achieved that word. I love my work, I love my kid and cat, I love where I live, and I love ME. These are all very good things. #OneWord2024 was HAPPY. And I needed to do that too to figure out what made me happy… and figure out my values, my boundaries, and my likes. This year, my one word for 2026 came to me relatively early. I’m really looking forward to 2026. Some days, I just need to “jump in.” My #OneWord2026 is PRACTICE. I feel that it’s something that I need to do in all aspects of my life. I look forward to this word and what it will bring. Let’s see how this goes…