Welcome!
As I reflect upon my learning journey, I noticed the importance of having high expectations and bringing my best self. Being able to be who I am, learn about what I'm passionate about, and share my knowledge in a way that makes sense to me have been touchstones throughout my love of education.
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Since completing my formal school learning (for now), I have worked to continue building my knowledge and skills as a leader, learner, coach, and educator. My hope for this site is that it organizes and becomes a place to connect with others who desire and love to learn!
Abby Butler
My Favorite Things
Ice Cream!
I love to make brownies, and the corner brownies are my favorite. I'm a Texas-rasied girl, so Blue Bell is a part of who I am! We even had brownies & Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla served at our wedding. In the summer of 2020, I initatied my "Ice Cream Tour"- starting with some of the best ice cream in the NC Triangle. I now love trying local ice cream wherever we travel! Some other food favorites include chocolate, Steaz, Mexican food, Haribo gummy bears, filet mignon, and fruit.
Reading
My hobbies include reading, being outdoors, playing card/board/group games, baking, doing puzzles, and the occasional DIY crafting project. I love any opportunity to slow down and read more!
Sports
I played soccer for 12 years on competitive travel teams growing up. I also enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, golf, and volleyball. I love to snow ski, play games, and be active outdoors with friends and family. Watching sports is a lot of fun too! I enjoy the NHL (Go Preds!), watching baseball (18 MLB stadiums & counting!), and college football (Go 'Dores!)
The Beach
Traveling is a lot of fun! I love exploring new, beautiful places. I enjoy going to the beach or to the mountains, but sunrise at the beach is my favorite! My favorite places that I've traveled are New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, USVI/BVI, Belize, Charleston, Colorado, the West coast (Pacific Coast Highway), and Maine. When we travel, I enjoy researching the best of a location, and creating a Google Map with all of the "must dos" for our trip!
Exploring "Bull City"
My husband and I moved to Durham in 2015, and we have loved getting to know the Triangle area. We enjoy trying local restaurants and exploring all of the fun things in North Carolina. We particularly love Duke Gardens, DBAP, M Kokko, Duke Forest, and Jack Tar Diner- plus all of the great local ice cream we have here.
Vanderbilt
Go Dores! I am a proud alumna of Vanderbilt University for both of my degrees. I love visiting Nashville, a place I called home for 10 years. #AnchorDown
MY CORE VALUES
AUTHENTICITY
honesty
feedback
justice, equity
trust
team work
reflection
integrity
KNOWLEDGE
high expectations
challenge
contribution
leadership
initiative
curiosity
EFFICIENCY
organization
responsibility
productivity
reliability
goals
initiative
projects
REFLECTION
learning
appreciation
balance
growth
creativity
effectiveness
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Brene Brown on Authenticity:
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. Choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we’re all made of strength and struggle; and nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that we can only achieve when we believe that we’re enough. Authenticity demands whole-hearted living and loving – even when it’s hard, even when we’re wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we’re afraid to let ourselves feel it. Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, gratitude, and joy into our lives."
Unlocking Us podcast episode (June 30, 2021)
What's with all the social media links?
Well, each shows a different part of my journey as an educator. Below, you'll find a peek into my classroom through the @TheBeachDA accounts. @AbbyButlerCoach (formerly @EKPoweTLC) tells the story of my journey as a Coach. My personal Twitter account and LinkedIn account are spaces for my views and life, both personal and professional. Pick your social media platform of choice and enjoy the story!