Heather & Janice: Best Friends Forever!

February is Heart Month at The Worthy Educator, honoring those special colleagues who make a difference in our lives and careers, celebrating how longterm, loyal, caring, nurturing, professional friendships enhance our experience as professionals!

Heather Lageman pays tribute to Janice Bradley:

Janice Bradley is a trusted friend, a leader, an inspiration, and a sister.  She first came into my life about thirteen years ago through the Learning Forward Foundation.  Her brilliant mind and skill as a researcher and writer, coupled with her open-minded, compassionate, welcoming spirit drew me to her immediately.  Collegial conversations evolved into a deep, lasting relationship that is a cornerstone of my personal and professional lives. 

I deeply admire her for so many reasons, it is a challenge to capture them all.  Here are just a few ways that she has been my North Star, my trusted confidant, my coach, and my friend:

★     She is a transformational leader who ensures that all voices and ideas are heard.  In doing so, she lifts others up to greatness. 

★     Janice is deeply curious and her growth mindset is inspiring. 

★     Her sense of joy, love of learning, and belief in empowering others radiates in every interaction. 

★     It is a rare gem to find someone like Janice who truly listens, asks thoughtful coaching questions, and provides resources and support.  

★     Janice inspires me to dream big and believe in myself in ways that I had never imagined possible.

Saturdays with Janice

What began as a practical solution to coordinate our writing schedules has blossomed into one of the most cherished rituals of my life: Saturdays with Janice. We settle in with our coffees and connect, create, and cultivate our friendship during this sacred time. Sometimes we dive straight into our collaborative writing, building on ideas we've been texting back and forth all week. Other times we simply catch up, sharing the small victories and quiet struggles of our personal and professional lives with the kind of honesty that only true friendship allows.

Between our Saturday sessions, we maintain a constant thread of connection. She'll text me an uplifting image at just the moment I need encouragement, or I'll share a research article that sparks a "Yes! This is exactly what we've been thinking about!" response. We celebrate each other's wins … a successful presentation, a breakthrough with a struggling student in her school in Ogden, a moment of joy … while also holding space for the harder moments too. When I'm wrestling with a challenge, Janice asks those thoughtful coaching questions that help me see my own path forward. When she's processing something difficult, I offer the same listening ear and steady presence she's modeled for me countless times. We also love to surprise each other with books, cards, and care packages to brighten each others’ days.

Our Saturdays are more than just productive writing sessions; they're a living example of what warm, supportive, healthy educator relationships can be. They represent a net of support, collaboration, intellectual growth, and care…a space where collective brilliance emerges not in spite of our friendship, but because of it. These Saturdays remind me that I'm never alone, and that some of the most transformative learning happens not in classrooms or conference rooms, but in the generous, curious, joy-filled space between two friends who believe in each other's potential.

Our relationship has evolved to the place where we are writing together, and it is such a treat to spend time co-creating and cultivating a space of hope and collective brilliance to share with others.  Having Janice in my life has brought immeasurable joy to life’s journey.  Whenever I count my blessings or focus on gratitude, the gift of her immediately comes to mind.  I am eternally grateful for her support, kindness, brilliance, collaboration, and positive energy.  Janice lights up every room. 

My fervent wish is that everyone can find their Janice, and be invited into a relationship that epitomizes the connection in this quote from Brené Brown, enabling them to thrive and reach the potential beyond their wildest dreams.

Heather Lageman

A Worthy Educator

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See our entire celebration of #edufriends and share your tribute to a special colleague or group of peers here so that we can honor you and them!