In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to highlight an Edutopia article titled, Gratitude Can Fuel School Transformation. According to author Elena Aguilar neuroscience suggests that, “Our brains need to feel gratitude in order for us to want to be at work.”  She further illustrates how the brain grabs hold of negative comments and interactions. Conversely, the retention of supportive moments and compliments is a muscle that needs to be worked and flexed to stay strong, “to create new links between neurons.”

Aguilar suggests becoming a trailblazer in your schools. She provides several ways to practice both giving and receiving appreciation.  In keeping with this idea of appreciation, CMLE would like to go first in a Message of Thanks from the Director.