Stories That Heal: Reflecting on 2024 and Recharging for 2025
Discover the moments of connection, hope, humor, and resilience that defined 2024 in this new blog by Kelly Booz, and get inspired to recharge for an impactful 2025.
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December 13, 2024
Discover the moments of connection, hope, humor, and resilience that defined 2024 in this new blog by Kelly Booz, and get inspired to recharge for an impactful 2025.
Share
Writing this end-of-year blog is one of my favorite rituals each December. It’s a chance to pause, crunch some numbers and reflect on what resonated most with our incredible Share My Lesson community. Every year tells a different story, and 2024 is no exception.
As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s tempting to focus on the whirlwind—the artificial intelligence breakthroughs, the intensity of the election year, the critical conversations about wellness, and the ever-pressing need for climate education. But beyond the busyness, this year also offered moments that reminded us of the power of connection, hope, humor and resilience.
But beyond the busyness, this year also offered moments that reminded us of the power of connection, hope, humor and resilience.
Take, for example, a recent encounter with AI—and my 12-year-old daughter. This week I showed her an AI avatar I created of myself for a video, asking for her thoughts. Her verdict? “I mean, it looks like a younger you without the wrinkles.” Brutal! She was promptly fired (kidding) as my daughter—for a minute. Then reinstated because, well, the truth stings but also makes you laugh and be resilient.
These themes—connection, hope, humor and resilience—defined 2024. Here’s how they came to life:
With these reflections in mind, let’s dive into what made 2024 unforgettable and how we’re gearing up for an even brighter 2025.
This year was all about human connection—whether through new resources, inspiring webinars or support for educators navigating today’s challenges. And wow, did this community show up! I’m so proud of the incredible educators who drive Share My Lesson forward and the amazing team I get to work with at the AFT every day.
We also racked up some serious recognition this year with six big awards that highlight the strength of this community:
These awards are a testament to what we’ve built together.
Each year, the most-used Share My Lesson resources shine a spotlight on what educators value most—and this year was no different. From empowering tools to timely lessons, these resources tell the story of a community committed to creativity, connection and meaningful learning:
As we reflect on 2024, we want to hear from you!
Please take a few minutes to complete our End-of-Year Wellness Check-In Survey and share your experiences, feedback, and suggestions. Your input will help shape programs that foster resilience, balance, and success in 2025.
In November, as the year wound down and election fatigue set in, author Jason Reynolds offered a moment of solace and inspiration. His webinar, “Stories of Hope and Connection: Recharging Educators After the Election,” reminded us why we do this work. With his signature authenticity and heart, he emphasized the power of stories to unite, heal and propel us forward.
For many, this was more than just a webinar—it was a collective exhale. Reynolds’ words lingered, affirming what we already knew: Educators are the storytellers who shape the future, one lesson at a time.
If 2024 was about innovation and connection, 2025 is about building on that momentum.
Here’s what’s coming:
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we’ve built a space that supports educators and empowers students. Here’s to another year of growth, learning and human connection. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!
Explore the top resources, webinars, and lesson plans that defined 2024 and continue shaping classrooms across the globe. Let these standout tools inspire and empower your teaching journey in 2025!
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