Megan Clark & Suzanne Rietdorf Reflection and Project:
I will be completely honest, most of the time I am glad that the sessions are recordings mostly because of the time difference however this was one of the zoom meetings I wish was live. Megan and Suzanne were so inspiring in an almost intimidating sort of way. Not that they came across as "snooty," but in a way of how can I ever become such an inspiring educator. First, it filled my heart with such joy and excitement. In another class I am in this semester it stresses the importance of curriculum, and following a lesson plan that is mapped out hour by hour while this appeals to my type one personality, I honestly was not excited about sitting down and planning a lesson (daily, weekly, monthly..etc) especially knowing that those plans can go out the window the moment a student is not responding well to your lesson. With Megan the importance of encouraging creativity, and making connections can inspire students to be more active in their leanings, just because you may not consider yourself "creative" it doesn't mean that you aren't. It just means that you may need to nurture your creative side a little more. Educators must provide and environment rich with inspiration, opportunities, and choices. 
Suzanne added some very inspiring testimonials from her students, and her amazing experiences from over her educational career. Something teachers forget is that students are only with us for 8 hours a day, the rest of that time we may not know (especially if we don't take the time to) what is going on outside of our classroom. Having empathy for the rest of a students day outside of the classroom is major to facilitating a relationship inside it. Social and emotional needs of the student are priority, even to teaching. If you can allow yourself to make a connection with the students and get to know them through thoughtfulness and encouragment rather than compliance your classroom could end up functioning even better. As educators sometime you just have to have faith that you're building connections, but we will have a better chance when are elevating our students voices.

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