Suspending Certainty

July 16, 2025

This second article in the series Jennifer is writing for TIE is about the skill adults need to develop around suspending certainty, the understanding that our way is not “the” only way but “a” way.

Excerpt:

No one needs to tell school leaders that both the world outside our school and the world within are currently full of incredible uncertainty and change. The micro mirrors the macro. It is apparent in every interaction and news article. Comics on our TV screens are trying to keep us smiling. Many a book is written about how to manage in times of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). The dysregulation we experience from our colleagues and families (and ourselves!) shows us we are managing a lot. The goal of this articles series is to provide some just in time, quick to implement strategies and supports to keep ourselves as steady and as grounded as we can in the moment.

It is true that we need to model civil discourse and encourage long-term thinking about big challenges, and while valuable, that work takes many years to take seed and flourish. Meanwhile, we need “just in time” tools, skills, and support. How might we behave in the “here and now” to be our best selves; to model what it means to be emotionally self-regulated, mature, respectful educators and leaders?

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Jennifer Abrams

About Jennifer Abrams

Jennifer has been recognized as one of "21 Women All K-12 Educators Need to Know" by Education Week's 'Finding Common Ground' blog. She considers herself a "voice coach," helping others learn how to best use their voices – be it collaborating on a team, facilitating a group, coaching a colleague, supervising an employee and being an all around better human being in all types of interactions.

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    Praise for Jennifer

    “I recently participated in an enlightening online workshop titled ‘Having Hard Conversations’ facilitated by Jennifer Abrams. This virtual workshop brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared learning. Despite the physical distance, Jennifer created an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Through interactive exercises and discussions, we explored practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations. Active listening, empathy, and building trust were emphasized as crucial elements. The online format seamlessly integrated multimedia resources, enhancing our learning experience. Engaging in discussions and collaborating with fellow participants added a valuable dimension to the workshop. Jennifer’s expertise and the virtual platform allowed us to address the specific challenges we face within our contexts effectively. Participating in Jennifer Abrams’ online workshop was transformative. I am grateful for the insights gained and look forward to applying them in my interactions. Thank you, Jennifer Abrams for facilitating meaningful conversations, even in the online realm.”

    Nadia Hussain, Leader of Learning
    Qatar Foundation