We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debrice Hill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debrice below.
Debrice, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
“As a teacher and instructional coach, I’ve found that keeping my creativity alive requires intentional effort and a willingness to explore new ideas. Here are some strategies that help me stay creative:
1. *Stay curious*: I make time to read, attend workshops, and engage in conversations with colleagues and experts in my field. This helps me stay updated on best practices and inspires new ideas.
2. *Take risks*: I encourage myself to try new approaches, even if they might not work out. This mindset helps me stay innovative and open to possibilities.
3. *Collaborate with others*: Co-planning and co-teaching with colleagues helps me see things from different perspectives and generates new ideas.
4. *Reflect and self-care*: Regular reflection on my practice, combined with self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies, helps me recharge and maintain my creative energy.
5. *Embrace failure*: I remind myself that failure is an essential part of the learning process. When I make mistakes, I use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
6. *Seek inspiration*: I look to other fields, like art, music, or technology, for inspiration. This helps me think outside the box and apply innovative ideas to my teaching and coaching practice.
7. *Prioritize play*: I schedule time for playful exploration, whether it’s experimenting with new tech tools or brainstorming creative solutions with colleagues.
By incorporating these strategies into my daily practice, I’m able to maintain my creativity and passion for teaching and coaching, even in the midst of a busy schedule.
How about you? What strategies do you use to stay creative and inspired in your own practice?”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
“Empowering Educators, Elevating Excellence
As a dedicated and passionate instructional coach, magazine owner, and advocate for educator excellence, I am committed to helping teachers unlock their full potential and create transformative learning experiences for their students.
I am the proud owner of Teacher to Teach Magazine, a publication created by teachers, for teachers. Our mission is to provide a platform for educators to share their voices, expertise, and experiences, and to support one another in their professional journeys.
With a proven track record of success in coaching and professional development, I am proud to offer expertise in instructional design, teacher support, and educational leadership.
This summer, I am honored to take the stage as a presenter at the prestigious Elevate conference, sharing my insights and expertise with educators from across the nation in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas.
Through my coaching, presenting, writing, and work with Teacher to Teach Magazine, I aim to inspire and empower educators to elevate their practice, amplify student voice, and foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Join me on this journey to elevate excellence in education. Let’s work together to shape the future of teaching and learning.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
“As I reflect on my journey as an educator, I’ve identified three essential qualities that have propelled me forward: creativity, a willingness to learn from others, and a steadfast commitment to putting students first.
*Creativity* has been a game-changer in my teaching practice. It’s allowed me to design engaging lessons, approach challenges with innovative solutions, and connect with my students in meaningful ways. To cultivate creativity, I recommend embracing risks, exploring new ideas, and seeking out inspiration from colleagues, mentors, and even students.
*Embracing feedback and guidance from others* has been instrumental in my growth as an educator. I’ve learned to seek out constructive criticism, ask questions, and surround myself with mentors and colleagues who push me to be my best self. To develop this skill, I advise seeking out mentors, joining professional learning communities, and being open to feedback from students, peers, and administrators.
*Putting students first* has been my guiding principle as a teacher. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, our work is about creating a better future for our students. This mindset helps me stay focused, motivated, and committed to excellence. To prioritize students’ needs, I recommend getting to know them as individuals, understanding their strengths and challenges, and being adaptable and responsive to their needs.
For those just starting their educational journey, I offer these words of advice:
– Cultivate creativity by taking risks, exploring new ideas, and seeking out inspiration.
– Be open to feedback and guidance from others, and seek out mentors and colleagues who can support your growth.
– Always put students first, getting to know them as individuals and being adaptable and responsive to their needs.
By embracing these qualities, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fulfilling and impactful career in education.”
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
“I will forever be grateful to my parents, who made the most profound investment in my future by supporting me throughout my college years. Their unwavering encouragement, guidance, and financial assistance enabled me to pursue my academic dreams, laying the foundation for my successful career in education.
Their selflessness and commitment to my education instilled in me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on my goals. My parents’ influence has had a lasting impact on my life, shaping me into the dedicated, passionate, and compassionate educator I am today.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my parents’ support was more than just financial – it was emotional, psychological, and spiritual. They believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and their unwavering faith gave me the confidence to push beyond my limits.
I hope to pay it forward by supporting and inspiring future generations of educators, just as my parents supported and inspired me. Their legacy lives on through me, and I am forever grateful for their love, sacrifice, and unwavering support.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://debricehill.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparklesandsprinklesinfirst/links/
Image Credits
Debrice Hill
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