Each year during the week before children return to the Seed for the new school year, our staff gather to clean, organize, prepare the classrooms, and delve into a specific area of professional development. The theme we choose becomes foundational for the next ten months. This year, as we begin our 50th year of school, we asked each staff member why they decided to teach, and why they chose to work at the Seed. The answers were varied, with common threads, including a love of children, wanting to make a difference in children’s lives, and supporting parents in their process of raising children. Regarding the choice to work at the Seed, several said the reason they chose Awakening Seed is for the freedom to use their creativity, the sense of connection they have with others, and the school’s alignment with their own values.
Each staff member was asked to read over their reflection, then select a word or phrase that most represents their WHY. After a brief presentation on process art, staff were invited to create a vision board using a wide array of available materials. What came forth was both inspiring and extraordinarily beautiful.
On the final morning of our group work, everyone sat around tables in a large semi-circle holding their vision board. One by one, each person explained their WHY, why they chose their specific word/phrase, and told their story of how/why they landed at the Seed. Some began at the school as children or young interns. A few have had long histories that go back decades. Many sensed the feeling of community and belonging, and wanted to be a part of it. One person said, “It’s a place where we can have honest reflections and hard conversations as needed.” Another commented, “The school is a bright light in the world and a safe landing spot to call home.” The time and opportunity to work in possibilities was one individual’s WHY. The focus on planetary stewardship and training of future citizens was important to another staff member.
The sharing that happened that morning was honest, vulnerable, and heart opening. In addition to the words being offered, each Seed staff member shared an incredible work of art as their vision board. Individual pieces are impressive, and the entire collection is stunning. We think it is important for families to catch a glimpse of this work as a way to capture what is at the heart of our Seed mission. We hope you will take time to check out the hallway display to see this beautiful work. It is our collective intention to offer all students the best of ourselves as we enter this monumental 50th year of the Seed’s history. May we all work together to be our best selves and manifest possibilities that will be of benefit to all beings who inhabit Planet Earth.