System For You/ Exploring the Power of Self-Awareness and Identity w/ Sherri

The power of self-awareness extends beyond classroom walls. Sherri Spelic, an elementary physical education teacher at the American International School Vienna, author of Bending The Arc: A Social Justice Newsletter for Educators and Care at the Core book, joins us as we explore self-awareness and identity.

In the episode, Sherri expounds on her newsletter, what inspires the different themes, and the importance of self-awareness in unlearning to relearn. Moreover, she shares the importance of navigating personal identities without punishing yourself for the actions of others, fostering empathy towards individuals with different identities, as well as the potential risks of being overly empathetic.

Ultimately, we delve into how systems thinking helps understand the behavior of different persons or institutions and fosters an inclusive environment.

Tune in for a more insightful conversation!

 

Timestamps

[02:19] Introducing the guest, Sherri Spelic

[03:09] About Sherri’s Bending the Arc newsletter and Care at the Core book

[05:29] How Sherri comes up with the different newsletter topics & themes

[08:21] The importance of self-awareness in the process of unlearning to relearn

[11:28] Enhancing self-awareness and navigating personal identities without punishing yourself for the actions of others

[14:11] Fostering empathy and sensitivity  towards individuals with different identities

[18:50] Implement the word segment: The word “System”-the importance of systems thinking in understanding behavior and context

[22:54] Advice on fostering inclusive environments

[25:57] How to connect to Sherri Spelic

 

Quotes

●    “Empathy is part of what makes us human.”

●    “Systems thinking always tells me to look at that person or institution in their context.”

●     “You have to be very intentional about how you are developing the relationships that enable you to get honest feedback about how you are doing, how inclusive your school is, and for whom.”

 

Mentioned Resources

https://bendingthearc.substack.com/

Care at the Core by Sherri Spelic

 

Let’s Connect

Connect with Sherri Spelic  on;

●    Substack:  https://substack.com/profile/803768-sherri-spelic

 

Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on;

●    X:  https://twitter.com/teachwatts

 

Connect with Mike Pierre on;

●    X:  https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan

 

More resources

●    Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.

●    Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative  

●    Head over to https://seniaacademy.org/link/0S40Ne to check out inclusion education practices for individuals with disabilities and ensure their potential is fully maximized.

●    Please visit inspirecitizens.org to register for the Global Citizenship