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Time to Rest and Sleep In...
December 19th, 2025
As we come to the end of the semester, I wanted to simply say thank you.
Whether you joined a workshop this semester, spent time wrestling with new Extended Essay guidance alongside your colleagues, sent a thoughtful note in response to a newsletter, or quietly read along on Fridays, I am really grateful that you are here.
This semester has been full, in the best possible way.
Full of conversations, collaboration, questions, reflection, and plenty of moments that reminded me why this work is so meaningful.
When schools are built on trust and curiosity, when teachers are willing to learn together and support one another, good things happen.
Students feel it. Teachers feel it. And the work becomes lighter, stronger, and more sustainable.
I also want to say a very big thank you to my colleague and good friend Kurt Supplee. Kurt’s friendship and steady advice continue to make me better at everything we do together. Whether we are planning workshops, thinking through the IB Core, or just talking things through, I always leave our conversations clearer and more energized. I am deeply grateful for his partnership and for the many laughs along the way.
I also want to thank those of you who have reached out with ideas for future newsletters. I genuinely love getting those messages, so thank you.
On that note, if there is a topic you would like me to explore in the future, I would be happy to hear from you. Feel free to share away either by simply responding to this email or reaching out directly to [email protected].
As the semester ends, I hope you can truly switch off for a bit.
Rest. Sleep in. Read something that has nothing to do with school. Spend time with people who make you laugh. This work asks a lot of us, and stepping away is part of what allows us to come back refreshed and ready.
Wishing you a long, relaxing, and well-deserved break.
I will see you again in the first newsletter of the new year on January 9th.
Be good out there.
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities...
Effectively Supervising the New Extended Essay - February 7th, 2026 - This focused and practical workshop is designed to help teachers confidently navigate the updated Extended Essay framework for the Class of 2027. Together, we’ll explore what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how to effectively guide students through both the Subject-Focused and Interdisciplinary pathways.
Book a Custom Training for Your IB Faculty - If your school would like a tailored training on the updated Extended Essay guidelines, we’d love to help—onsite at your campus or live online—just send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll work together to make it happen.
Brad Cartwright
Educator | Speaker | Workshop Leader | Course Creator