In Appreciation of Beth Graham – School Reform Initiative

January 3, 2019

Three years ago, SRI was gifted with Beth Graham as our part-time Professional Development Specialist. This new position, created in part with a grant from the Bay and Paul Foundations, was designed to help us focus on the professional development needs of new and existing affiliates. With Beth’s support, this position and work has grown tremendously. She has helped us develop strong professional development service offerings, helped launch our equity-based retreats, supported meaningful learning at Fall Meeting, and has worked with schools and districts around the country to support educators. We would not be where we are without Beth, and as an organization we are eternally grateful for her dedication to helping create the schools all students deserve, and for the path she has created to help SRI grow and remain a sustainable organization. Please take a few minutes to send her a note of appreciation – SRI is better because of the work she did with us and on our behalf.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be leaving my part-time position as SRI professional development specialist. After 40 years in education, more than half with SRI, I’m longing to pursue other interests in my retirement. While I’ll no longer be on staff, I will continue to support SRI schools and projects as a contractor, and I promise to never be far from the work I love and the people I love to practice it with.

My career has been interesting and rich due to extraordinary relationships built through SRI. I am blessed to have worked with and learned from you: I’m a more skillful teacher, a reflective practitioner, a careful listener, a bigger risk-taker – an authentic collaborator – because you have shared your best, most vulnerable selves with me. For these gifts, I am eternally grateful.

I’ve loved the challenge of working for SRI on our equity journey. It’s been a joy to work with Heidi, Chris, and, of course, Kari, in her unwavering commitment to the integrity of our mission. Looking ahead, I know SRI is in good hands with Deirdre at the helm – I can’t wait to see where her leadership will take us next!

I’ll miss your emails and calls; I hope you’ll continue to reach out! My phone number remains the same (978-790-4849), and, as of now, you can find me at my new address: bethigraham1@gmail.com.

Thanks for everything, guys. It has truly been my honor to serve you and the organization.

All my best.