Where'd I go?

I know it's been a moment since you last heard from me. It's been a season of big transitions—more on that below—but first, I've missed being in this space with all of you.

The challenges of the past three years have brought my values and the limits of my powers into focus. I was an invincible thirty-three years old when I began writing publicly about my thoughts, feelings, practices, and philosophies in education for twice-exceptional children. While my heart remains devoted to this work, by the end of 2021, my back and blood pressure were shouting for a different approach. 

Throughout my career launching and leading micro-schools, I have been incredibly grateful for my students—their questions, their passions, the unique light they bring to the world—and I have been thankful for the outstanding educators I've worked alongside and for the greater community of families and professionals—for you. You’ve inspired so much: two books, countless workshops, conference presentations, awards, and now, a graduate degree. In May of 2021, I made the bittersweet decision to close Sunnyside Micro-School to focus on finishing my graduate degree and improving my health. 

I'm beyond proud to report that I graduated with my Ed.D. in cognitive diversity in education and education leadership last summer from Bridges Graduate School in Cognitive Diversity (BGS). It was time for me to professionalize my experience. The wonderful people at Bridges gave me enough space to be myself and develop into the leader I’ve dreamed of being. Of course, finding it difficult to sit on the sidelines, I threw my hat into the ring and joined the graduate school as core faculty. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to work alongside the faculty, staff, and students of BGS. 

Taking time away to look inwards and reevaluate my mission has been one of the most important things I've ever done for myself. I'm more aware of who I am and how I want to show up in this season of my career. I'm ready to write more, speak more, teach more, and connect more. 

There's more to share, but for now, I just wanted to say "hi" and let you know I'm still here. 

I also want to invite you to a special event happening this week. My friend and colleague Sam Young, M.Ed., is building something beautiful for twice-exceptional children worldwide. In Sam's words,  "Young Scholars Academy is a virtual enrichment village that helps twice-exceptional students to feel seen, nurtured, confident, and happy as heck!" 

I’m excited to support Sam’s vision by reviving two of my most popular online classes for 2e children and teach them at YSA. The first is "Chemistry Cohort - Real, Hands-On Science," and the second is "Design Engineering: From Designing to Doing!" Both classes offer a mix of hands-on learning and theory with a fair amount of social and emotional learning baked into the class structure, making them perfect for 2e children. 

If you'd like to learn more about these and the other lovely classes at YSA, please join us for an online open house where you will meet Sam and chat with the other YSA instructors. This event will take place Thursday, December 8th, at 6:30 pm PST. I'd love to see you there! 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE 

In the meantime, be well, 

Jade Ann Rivera, Ed.D.