Last week, I introduced this new word "scenius" - the collective creativity that happens when educators work together with shared purpose and energy.
This week, we're exploring the first key ingredient of scenius: mutual appreciation.
The necessary elements of scenius, as described by writer Kevin Kelley, start with mutual appreciation. This involves applauding risk-taking, noticing subtleties, and friendly competition that pushes everyone to show up a little bolder. It's the kind of peer pressure we all need - the kind that helps us grow.
As educators, we hold the power to bring this spirit of mutual appreciation into our classrooms and programs. Let's take a look at how we can do this...
🙌 In the Classroom: Celebrate Student Efforts
Mutual appreciation thrives when students feel safe to take risks—and see those risks celebrated. Create a culture where students know their hard work and courage will be recognized. After a student bravely answers a tricky question or tries a new role in simulation, ask the class, “What did you notice that they did well?” You’ll be surprised how often students pick up on things you didn’t catch—confidence, empathy, leadership.
This models peer appreciation and creates a culture where effort and insight are noticed. While the “right” answer is important, students will feel empowered for making an attempt instead of feeling shame or embarrassment if they are incorrect. When effort and insight are noticed, more students lean in.
🏥 In Clinical: Highlight The Human Moments
Clinical can feel task-driven, but scenius lives in the quiet human moments. During post-conference, invite students to share a moment they admired in one of their peers - whether it was staying calm with a difficult patient or how they demonstrated kindness when asked for help. This invitation to share reinforces that the small, empathetic acts of nursing are just as valuable as checklists and clinical skills.
It also gives quieter students a chance to be recognized for the qualities that truly matter in our profession.
🤝 Among Educators: Spread the Appreciation
Mutual appreciation starts with a simple shift: Share more with your peers.
I used to feel like there was a kind of gatekeeping around teaching tools—like if you found something that really worked, you kept it close, almost like a secret recipe. But lately, there’s been a shift. I’ve seen more co-teaching, open collaboration, and educators sharing what’s working and inviting others to build on it. And I love that. I want to keep that momentum going. We all improve when we share our ideas and teaching tools—and our students feel the difference.
Take the initiative to build structures that make mutual appreciation a consistent part of your department's culture. Whether it's monthly shoutouts via email, a shared 'teaching wins' or 'this works!' folder, or a regular group chat to celebrate each other's successes, you can be proactive in fostering a culture of mutual appreciation.
When appreciation becomes the norm, it creates an environment where risk-taking, collaboration, and creativity can truly thrive.
🎧 Learning Lab Podcast *coming soon*
In just a few weeks, the first few episodes of the Learning Lab Podcast will be available. Each interview will highlight a specific active learning tool. And if you think the tool will work for you and your students, you can show your mutual appreciation for this community by purchasing the template, worksheet, or detailed instructions for implementation. And half of all sales go directly toward the creative educator!
⛲️ A Ripple Effect of Growth
Mutual appreciation has a way of sparking a ripple effect. When you take a moment to recognize a student or colleague, it encourages them to do the same for someone else. This creates a positive feedback loop, where each act of appreciation reinforces the value of mutual support. Before long, a culture of celebration and support takes root. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we all benefit from a community that values and celebrates each other's contributions.
So try it this week - name and celebrate something small, whether it's a student's courage or a peer's creativity. When appreciation becomes part of the fabric of our programs, the possibilities for growth are endless.
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