Stories That Heal: Reflecting on 2024 and Recharging for 2025

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:

• Connection: From author Jason Reynolds’ heartfelt webinar reminding us of the healing power of stories, to the resources that brought classrooms closer together, this year was all about building bridges—between students, teachers and communities.
• Hope: Hope came in the form of educators embracing challenges with creativity and purpose. Resources like “Climatopias: What Will Sustainable Cities of the Future Look Like?” empowered students to envision solutions to global problems, while lessons on figures like Josephine Baker and eras like the Civil Rights Movement connected the past to a brighter, more equitable future.
• Humor: Let’s face it, laughter has been a lifeline. Whether it was a snarky preteen at home or lighthearted moments in the classroom, humor reminded us to breathe, relax and enjoy the journey. Even tools like “The AI Educator Brain” brought levity to the classroom, helping educators balance the novelty of AI with a bit of playful curiosity.
• Resilience: Through a challenging election year, climate crises and wellness struggles, educators showed up—again and again. Resources like “Dimensions to Wellness: Self-Care for Educators” and social-emotional learning tools offered support when it was needed most, showcasing the resilience of a community committed to thriving despite the odds.

With these reflections in mind, let’s dive into what made 2024 unforgettable and how we’re gearing up for an even brighter 2025.

2024: A Year of Connection and Achievement 

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:

• 2024 SIIA CODiE Award Winner: Best Collaborative Solution for Teachers
• 2024 Gold Anthem Award Winner: Community Engagement—Community Space
• 2024 Davey Award, Silver: Education
• 2024 Davey Award, Silver: Best Virtual or Remote Experience
• 2024 Davey Award, Silver: Best User Experience
• 2024 W3 Award, Silver: General Websites—Education

These awards are a testament to what we’ve built together.

What Resonated in 2024: The Year’s Top Resources

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:

• Empowering Students Through SEL: “Inside Out 2” wasn’t just popular—it was transformative. Our resources on the movie brought emotional literacy to the forefront, giving students a safe and engaging way to explore their feelings and build empathy.
• Innovation with AI: The growing influence of AI sparked curiosity and innovation among educators. Resources like “Teaching with ChatGPT” helped demystify AI’s potential in classrooms, while webinars like “The AI Educator Brain on Lesson Planning” provided actionable insights for making AI a thought partner.
• Civic Engagement in Action: Resources like “Exploring the Civil Rights Movement via Rustin” and “Election 2024 Prediction Ballots” encouraged students to think critically about democracy and justice while connecting historical lessons to today’s world.
• Global Perspectives: From lessons on sustainable cities of the future to discussions about space exploration with “On a Collision Course: Space Junk and Trash Lasers,” educators embraced opportunities to help students see their role in shaping the planet’s future.
• Creativity Across the Curriculum: Fun and interactive resources like “Scratch Coding for Grades 2-6” and “Darryl’s Dream: A Lesson on Perseverance and Goals for K-2” allowed educators to integrate technology, storytelling and creativity into their teaching.
• Prioritizing Wellness: Teacher wellness remained a top priority, with webinars like “Five Healing Gestures for Trauma” offering practical strategies for self-care and community support.

Jason Reynolds: A Capstone Moment

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.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in 2025

If 2024 was about innovation and connection, 2025 is about building on that momentum. 

Here’s what’s coming:

• 2025 Share My Lesson Virtual Conference: Mark your calendars for March 25-27! The request for proposals is open now, due Jan. 8, so send us your ideas and join the lineup.
• AFT TEACH Conference: This summer, we’ll meet in person for top-notch professional development. The request for workshop proposals is open until Jan. 1.
• Expanding the AI Educator Brain Series: More webinars, tools and even some fun new EdBrain swag for teachers—the OG “prompt engineers.”
• Wellness resources: We have a new wellness series launching in January with webinars, blogs and tips to help keep us all grounded.
• eLearning Modules: We’re adding longer, more in-depth courses for AFT members and open modules for all.
• Your Constant Partner: Whether you’re looking for resources for civic holidays and special months, or navigating breaking news or difficult current events, we’ll be here with fresh, ready-to-go resources.

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!