RESET with Anna Mackey

As we settle into a new school year, I'm still reflecting on an important message from our first day back.

On Tuesday, August 4th after our Annual First Day Back Hearty Breakfast, we had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Malauna Hogan, Licensed Psychologist, who led a meaningful and conversational session on self-care, making ourselves a priority, and the importance of showing up for ourselves so we can truly show up for our students.

It’s an always welcoming reminder to hear that before we can effectively support others, we have to intentionally pause, reflect, and care for ourselves.

I'm grateful to serve under the leadership of Principal Sonja Pegram and Assistant Principal Eric Lockett at Guinn Special Programs Center in Plano Independent School District.

My greatest learning came from the mistakes I made along the way & the willingness to take accountability for them. Those moments shaped me far more than getting everything right ever could.

They also taught me that growth happens at the intersection of theory and practice. Research gives us the why, while practice gives us the how. When we intentionally bridge the two, we become more thoughtful, responsive, and effective in meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Whether I am teaching students or providing professional learning for teachers, I am continually reminded of the importance of being a lifelong learner.

The weeks leading up to a school break can bring a different energy. Routines become more relaxed, excitement builds, and for some students, the lack of structure can create unexpected challenges.

I'm grateful to be part of a team that views these transition periods as opportunities rather than obstacles. Instead of simply counting down to the break, we intentionally create meaningful experiences by inviting community partners to invest in our students.

We had the privilege of welcoming Nicole Smedley-Johnson, founder of Nicole Smedley EVENTS, who engaged our students in a memorable experience that reminded them they are seen, valued, and capable.

Growth.

As I enter my sixth year at Guinn Special Programs Center, Plano ISD's Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), I'm reminded why this work matters.

In April, I snapped a picture of a student's T-shirt because its message made me smile. Despite his recidivism and temporary placement at GSPC, he remains focused on rewriting his story instead of being defined by it.

Moments like these remind me that our students are always more than their circumstances.

As I continue to read, Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm by Hamish Brewer, the following resonated with me:

“What I can tell you with 100 percent certainty is that programs don't fix kids—or schools for that matter. You cannot replace the most amazing teacher with a program or strategy. We cannot take the approach of throwing ideas like spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. Our students deserve better than that." (Brewer, 2022, p. 116.)

This aligns with why I'm passionate about RESET and trauma-informed practices as a teacher. Programs have their place, but lasting change happens when we invest in educators.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to present at the Texas Association for Alternative Educators Conference and share my passion for trauma-informed practices. The conversations, questions, and connections made those 45 minutes feel like only a few.

I'm excited to share that I'll be presenting at the National Alternative Education Association Conference!

As an educator at Guinn Special Programs Center in Plano ISD, I have the privilege of serving students every day while continuously growing alongside incredible educators. I firmly believe the students we serve are better when educators commit to lifelong learning.

One of my greatest joys is not only teaching other educators but also being a recipient of their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Every opportunity to learn alongside fellow professionals strengthens my practice and ultimately benefits the students we serve.

I'm honored to represent Guinn Special Programs Center, contribute to this community of passionate educators, and share practical, trauma-informed strategies that make a lasting difference. I look forward to learning, connecting, and growing together in Baltimore.

This captures one of the key components of backwards planning.