Find your Marigold....Be a Marigold

At this summer's New York State Reading Association’s Leadership Retreat, I had the privilege of hearing from the inspirational 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year, Colleen Keough, who, among other messages, shared this:

“Find your marigold—and be one for someone else.”

This idea, from Jennifer Gonzalez’s Find Your Marigold, reminds us that just like marigolds in a garden nurture and protect the plants around them, we too can create an environment where others flourish. Walnut trees, on the other hand, release toxins that inhibit growth.

As educators, the start of a new school year is the perfect time to reflect:
Who are the positive, supportive colleagues who help you grow?
How can you be that person for someone else?

When we lift each other up, our students—and our profession—thrive. 🌟

Who’s your marigold? Tag them and let them know how much they matter.

#FindYourMarigold #BeAMarigold #TeacherLeadership #Collaboration #BackToSchool #TeacherSupport #RoseInstituteofLearningandLiteracy #ManhattanvilleUniversitySchoolofEducation