Tali Raviv, PhD
NCS3 Co-PI and Midwest Regional Co-Director, Center for Childhood Resilience
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining the NCS3 kickoff session to our national learning collaborative. Nearly 150 individuals representing 15 districts and 14 states joined us for a 3-hour virtual meeting. Despite being an entirely virtual convening, with no opportunities to chat over coffee or in line for the bathroom, I was reminded that our learning collaborative is made up of PEOPLE. Some of our participants are athletes (volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, football, baseball, and rugby players, marathoners and triathletes, and even a juggler!) Some of our participants are artists (musicians and even a street mimer!) All our participants are family members (parents with children of all ages, grand-parents, and at least two who have a twin sibling!) Some of our participants attended the school where they now work, and others have traveled far and wide, immigrated to the US, or taught overseas (including one member who taught in a remote village in Siberia!) We even have a participant who created a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor! As we got to know one another, I was reminded of the quote by Dr. James Comer, “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.” This idea is not new, and it’s not unique to trauma-informed, healing-centered approaches to education. However, it is one that passionate and talented educators sometimes forget to apply to their own learning and growth, even as they focus on building strong relationships with their students. Our districts have big goals. Their goals include implementing districtwide restorative practices, increasing coordination between schools and community mental health agencies, implementing universal mental health screening, elevating student voice in programs and policies, and addressing systemic racism to increase equity. NCS3 is here to help them achieve their big dreams. We will deepen our relationships and learn together for the next two years. And I can’t wait to dig in!