Beginning in the Middle I’m learning that some beginnings don’t arrive at the start. They ask us to pause, listen, and decide how we want to show up in a world that’s asking for something different.

I’ve been thinking a lot over the last few months, both personally and about the world around me, which is often hard for me to understand. Writing has always helped me reflect, and I’m grateful for that.

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Jump Into the New: From Students to Trailblazers 🔈 Click here for audio. Part of a new series-10 Lessons, 10 Years, A New Beginning Jumping into the new can feel scary. Because my students and I invited so many into our journey ten years ago, how…

Continuing a series w/Lesson 2: Jump Into the New: From Students to Trailblazers-We learned that “new” doesn’t have to be brand new. It can be trying an idea and creating a unique experience that Ss lead.
takeittotheclassroom.wordpress.com/2025/09/27/j...

10years10lessonsnewbeginning.my.canva.site

“To learn, to teach, and to love…” Thank you, Kiah Jones-Our stories are different but our purpose in trying something new is deeply connected

Inspired to write about the 2nd lesson I learned from my students 10 years ago, 10years10lessonsnewbeginning.my.canva.site/lessons

#leadlap #LearnLAP #tlap

So grateful to @jaybilly2.bsky.social for joining me a couple of weeks ago in discussing the power of inviting others in, passing the mic to our students, and the impact of hearing their voices.

Full post below-
10years10lessonsnewbeginning.my.canva.site/lesson-1-inv...

#leadlap #tlap #LearnLAP

Trying something new heading into a new school year. A decade of learning from a one of a kind class in a new writing adventure.

10years10lessonsnewbeginning.my.canva.site

@bethhouf.bsky.social @jaybilly2.bsky.social
@daveburgess.bsky.social
@taramartinedu.bsky.social

#tlap #leadlap #learnlap

You’re so sweet. And in challenging situations, I learned to bring my own chair:) #leadlap

Yes love this so much!!!!❤️#leadlap

A3) I’ve actually fallen into a situation of not having a seat at the table and not doing anything about it. I learned from this. Even if others don’t feel our voice matters enough, it’s hard to stop someone who believes their own voice matters and should be heard. #leadlap

Saving this - it's powerful! Thanks for sharing, Beth.
#leadlap
#teachingexperiment

A1) what I try to tell students is don’t wait. They always hear that one day they will lead us and I believe this wholeheatedly but they have brilliant ideas now. Then giving them space, guidance, and support to advocate can make our communities so much better. #leadlap

You too!

Nili Bartley from MA happy to be able to jump in for a few min this morning. #leadlap

Thank you Jay! I feel the exact same about you:)

I was reminded that if we’re lucky we can do things within our control in a time that feels chaotic. Inspired by one line I felt driven to write. #leadlap @bethhouf.bsky.social @burgessdave.bsky.social @jaybilly2.bsky.social

The Work We Hold Onto- takeittotheclassroom.wordpress.com/2025/02/28/t...

Thank you @bethhouf.bsky.social for such an important chat!! ❤️❤️❤️ #leadlap

A3) we need to keep doing what is right, what is human, and we need do it with love and even joy whenever we can. And we can’t ever forget that the students we are lucky enough to see every day will be leading us. #leadlap

A2) when kids are influenced by what they hear without fully grasping the depth of what they are saying we have the responsibility to teach them to honor ALL human beings and although this should not be political our current reality can make it challenging to guide these conversations #leadlap

Me too!!

A1) It’s honestly hard for me to keep up. I do my best to listen to NPR and read more reliable news sources but more than anything I stay informed talking with colleagues and family. I’ve learned that it’s so much harder to try to navigate all that is happening with others than alone. #leadlap

Two and a half - I’m trying to be here but couple things just came up 😬 #leadlap

Thanks Beth! #leadlap

A4) my intention for 2025 is to rule things in before I rule them out and to connect with colleagues friends and family as much as possible. #leadlap

A3) I learned that it’s okay to sit in a state of figuring things out and not know exactly what you’re going to do next. Having time to just be, or to simply talk with people can be enough in any given moment. #leadlap

Aw Jay. You’re the best. Let’s try to make that happen again soon! #leadlap

A2) I tried something new with working out and ended up exercising more than I thought would ever be a reality for me. Not sure I’ll ever do it again but I know now that I can:) #leadlap

The people in the room :) #leadlap

A1) not sure if it was super conscious but I found myself limiting myself less and ended up doing a few things that perhaps I wouldn’t have done before realizing even more how much it matters the people I am lucky enough to be around professionally and personally. #leadlap

Aw Me too❤️ #leadlap

Nili Bartley from MA happy to be jumping in this morning #leadlap

Graphic showing the book covers of all 8 books in the Lead Like a Pirate series

The Lead Like a PIRATE series has 8 books!
Not only #LeadLAP by @bethhouf.bsky.social, but classics from @jaybilly2.bsky.social @vickiwilson5.bsky.social @majalisetolan.bsky.social @nbartley6.bsky.social @allysonapsey.bsky.social @jessicacabeen.bsky.social @8amber8.bsky.social & MORE! #EduSky #tlap