As the season shifts, I’ve been thinking about what’s blooming in classrooms. I imagine communities that center a love for learning, rooted in connection, play, and storytelling. I’m reminded of my former students who discovered where their own stories were found in the joyful, honest stories of their classmates and friends. Space was carved out for connection and laughter. From there, learning flourished when it met love.

Research and lived experience both tell us that children thrive when academic growth follows trust. When students feel seen and known, they take risks. When teachers feel connected, joy is sprinkled around like confetti.

This spring, let’s lean into tools and ways of being that deepen relationships through playful read-alouds, acts of kindness, story exchanges, inquiry, and other small practices that intentionally build belonging. Let’s watch children bloom as the world around them does the same.

Warmly,
Talisa Timms
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Children’s Institute

Recently, I had coffee with a friend who is Chinese. As we talked about our hopes for the new year, she reminded me that in the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. The horse brings strength, freedom, and perseverance, qualities I would like to imbue across our state.

I’ve been reflecting on that conversation and other hopes I have for 2026. As I read the news, I am reminded that, compared to every other state, Oregon’s children are not faring well on literacy assessments. And yet, our children are bright and full of promise. Our educators are dedicated and passionate, but our statewide literacy system, or perhaps the lack of one, is failing us.

I dream that in 2026 our education leaders and politicians have the strength and political will to ensure continuity in professional learning, curriculum, assessments, and materials that are needed to shift literacy in our state.

I believe that Oregon’s educators, from preschool to higher education, can build the statewide alignment needed to achieve stronger literacy outcomes. This moment calls for new energy, while holding steady to the heart of why we do this work. Instead of focusing on educators’ academic freedom and local control of curriculum and instruction, let us channel Frederick Douglass’s words: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

My hope for 2026 is that we ensure every child in our state becomes a strong reader and writer. May our children’s perseverance and potential inspire us to make Oregon the easiest, most joyful place to become a reader.

Warmly,
Erin Lolich,
Early Literacy Specialist
School-Based Initiatives Team

In this season of reflection and gratitude, I offer this perspective: educators are the superheroes we long for during times of great transition and change.

A superhero doesn’t wait for change to happen, they become the change. They don’t wait for hope to arrive; they write it into being and invite others to join them in the story. When the world feels dim, they find ways to ignite inspiration, joy, and possibility from places we might not have seen before.

Across our state, I see educators creating spaces where children feel safe to take risks, to wonder, to fail, and to try again! You help them grow in knowledge—yes—but even more in heart. These small, often unseen moments are no less powerful.

To the educators reading this: live your truth. Before you is the next generation of dreamers, thinkers, and creators. Whether you are presenting ideas to colleagues, welcoming children into your classroom, or guiding a learning moment with gentle care, say it fully—in your voice and in your way.

Take a moment to notice one small thing you’ve done this week that helped a student feel seen, brave, or curious.  That spark, however small, carries your superpower.

Thank you for the gifts you share every day. You are someone’s favorite grown-up. You are shaping lives, inspiring courage, and creating spaces where children can shine. The light you bring to your students matters more than you know.

With gratitude and admiration,
Julio Bautista
Continuous Improvement Specialist

As we settle into the new school year, I am noticing the changing season all around—the neighborhood foliage shifting into their autumn hues, crisper air each morning, and apples falling into our yard. Fall always seems to invite us to pause, rethink our routines, and make space for new ones while letting go of what no longer serves us.

Recently, I came across the podcast Self-care for Educators by Dr. Tina H. Boogren. In each short episode, she offers educators a simple, practical tip to support our well-being. In the first episode of this season, she encourages us to write down one positive moment from each day. 

For me, today’s moment came in connecting with a colleague who is going through a rough patch. Being able to support her, just as she has so often supported me, reminded me how grateful I am for the connections we get to build in this work. Sharing that with you here only deepens the gratitude.

So I’m passing along the invitation. What went well for you today? Is this a routine you can build into your work day, perhaps with your students? Write it down. Share it with us. We’d love to spread the good stuff.

Wishing you an abundant fall,
Erin Lolich
Early Literacy Specialist