Be a marigold, my friend

Back when I was just starting out as a teacher, I struggled a lot. Jennifer Gonzalez’s Cult of Pedagogy was a lifeline — I stole/borrowed many ideas from her to do everything from talk myself down after horrible classes or just to get lesson inspiration. Above all, there is one concept she shared that has stuck with me ever since: the marigold effect Here’s the analogy Gonzalez uses: Many experienced gardeners follow a concept called companion planting: placing certain vegetables and plants near each other to improve growth for one or both plants. For example, rose growers plant garlic near their roses because it repels bugs and prevents fungal diseases. Among companion plants, the marigold is one of the best: It protects a wide variety of plants from pests and harmful weeds. If you plant a marigold beside most any garden vegetable, that vegetable will grow big and strong and healthy, protected and encouraged by its marigold. Her point? Go seek the marigolds around you and stay close…