I've always liked the way "Why Edify" sounds. Being a teacher, I like that it has "ed" within its name and that it's also a question. When I started writing and sharing on this site I really didn’t have to explain to anyone what the name was all about because only my wife and mom were reading it.

As more people find my project, it's apparent that it was time to put some more thought into how the name "Why Edify" connects with what I share here so I can articulate it more clearly when asked.

Here’s the Why Edify Manifesto.

You can find many definitions for the term edify depending upon which dictionary you use. My favorite definition comes from the Oxford Learners Dictionary.

Edify - to improve people’s minds or character by teaching them about something.

Word Origin - Middle English: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificare ‘build’, from aedis ‘dwelling’ + facere ‘make’ (compare with edifice). The word originally meant ‘construct a building’, also ‘strengthen’, hence to “build up” morally.

To me, "Why Edify" represents building up the mind, body, and spirit, with education at the heart of it all.

Why Edify Guiding Precepts 1.0

• You don’t have to be good at something to do it. If it brings you joy, do it.
• Learning and reflection make life better.
• If you're going to reflect, REFLECT OUT LOUD!
• Becoming a better version of yourself is an act of community service.
  • Teaching / Education / Skills
  • Reflection / Application - Doing something.
  • Service to others
  • Physical - Health / Wellbeing
• Teachers are my people. Teachers are awesome!
• I'm here to share ideas and resources (website and weekly emails) to help teachers become happier, healthier, and stronger.
• Students are my people. Students are awesome!
• Kids are the future. It’s not a cliche, it’s truth.

Here’s to being better tomorrow than we were today.

STRONG Teacher Toolkit

Here are some of my favorite resources, ideas, tools, services, and miscellaneous gadgets and goodies that keep me STRONG in both my personal and professional life.

WHY EDIFYJeremy Jorgensen