Thanks to our ridiculously kind and genuinely supportive Indi-ED families, on Saturday, they put on one heck of a fundraising event for our students.
We laughed until our cheeks hurt as nationally renowned comedians generously shared their talents on our behalf.
The laughter and joy that was spread and enjoyed by all was however, only my 2nd favorite part of the evening.
My favorite part I found in little moments throughout the evening when the comics weren’t even on stage.
Conversations with mothers who shared how different this year has been and how much happiness and growth they’ve seen in their children.
Watching two of our fathers hug as they greeted each other.
Overhearing people say that they’ve heard of how lovely our teachers are without even knowing them.
Conversations with fathers after the event who shared how thankful they were that we took this leap and have created what their family had been searching for.
I share not to brag or to boast, but because it helped me realize that Indi-ED is not only doing things differently academically for kids, but that we are changing the lives of the adults that surround these children as well.
I’ve known since day 1, as a teacher, that the way that we teach was going to be entirely different. I wouldn’t rush to cram content to the masses, but would actually get connect deeply to and design curriculum around a small group of students to help them truly learn. That priority shift led to an entire change in my attitude towards my job and reinvigorated my life.
I’ve known how much of an impact our culture would have on students. Supporting anyone without judgement leads to positive transformation. Creating that environment for children instead of one that is rooted in fear and shame is an absolute game changer.
But what I didn’t see coming and what made me the happiest last night, was to see that those feelings of relief, support, joy, and change have also transferred to our families.
When our families share that they simply have more time to enjoy being with and supporting their children because they aren’t bogged down with endless amounts of stress that originate from traditional schooling approaches, that supports and changes their whole family dynamic.
Or when a mother sees that her son may be struggling with an emotional idea, but then also sees it through his friends’ eyes and then both mothers try to make sure that they support BOTH of their needs-that’s caring for and supporting each others’ families.
And when we said to our parents that we could use help planning a fundraising event, they selflessly stepped up. From planning, to preparation, to clean up. We all have busy lives, but there are ways that we make time for the priorities in our lives. Which makes it beyond refreshing knowing that we all are priorities to one another.
I believe everyone at Indi-ED supports each other because they know that it not only positively affects their child, but the other children, their teachers, and the other families as well. There is a mentality of support amongst our whole Indi-ED Family because I believe that our families are as grateful for our efforts as we are of theirs. That mentality is unfortunately also a change for both sides.
So while I appreciate the joy, the laughs, and the donations that came in on Saturday. I appreciate even more having the opportunity to impact positive change, knowing full well that we are able to because we have the people that we do around us…even if they are heckling us in the background of a picture…we know it’s all in love in support.
