The BIG Exchange!
India White • December 30, 2022
The BIG Exchange! - Dr. India White
The BIG Exchange
Have you ever went into a deal thinking you were getting something that would benefit you, only to find out you were ripped off? In life, we are constantly bombarded with deals of compromise that seem promising, but always fall short of glory.
I can remember buying a luxury car from a dealer, who promised me that it was top of the line. At first, it fulfilled what they told me it would. However, after about 6 months, I realized with great regret that I was bamboozled, and had to get out of that deal before I lost my life. The ultimate exchange would have been a car wreck that I didn’t see coming because the car’s beauty had my attention.
Just like this incident, we are all bombarded by beautiful distractions in life, some that cause us to compromise and do things that we are know are morally and ethically wrong. Whether that’s lying, cheating, stealing, we have temptations around us every day. However, we must begin to find out how can we see beyond the deal and calculate the big exchange involved.
For instance, you might steal now, and may never get caught
on this side. However, in the afterlife, are you willing to face your fate? What about cheating, whether on taxes, a spouse, on an assignment in school, etc.? It might seem great, and even feel amazing, but what will the BIG exchange be? If you’re cheating and get caught, can you handle the consequences?
Or, say you’re not caught by man, but the Lord steps in…..can you face him like a man/woman? Also, who else would you be hurting as you’re caught up in this? At the end of it all, you must calculate the risk. Whether that’s incarceration, death, heartache, ruined reputation, lack of trust….weigh it and see if it’s worth the risk. Then, ask yourself about the long-term impact
of your choice. In everything we must consider is the exchange worth it.
Some exchanges are great and are a blessing. However, some exchanges are temporarily great, but can lead to death. There’s a scripture that says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12).” Ask yourself, "Is the way I am paving for my life leading me to a blissful result…. eternally?" If not, I encourage you to consider reeling yourself back
to a place of spiritual and emotional safety.
Listen, many people talk about the lusts of life. Scripture states that there is the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Everyday, we all choose how we juggle these. Sometimes, we juggle one more than the other, but at the end of it all…your enemy wants the BIG exchange. What is the BIG exchange
for you? Is it a ruined reputation, damaged relationships, adultery, bankruptcy, or some other dressy sin of the soul that affects your ability to enjoy a healthy and happy life? Is it being emotionally bamboozled, sabotaged, or tricked into a lifetime of oppression? You must walk through the walls of your soul and figure this out.
Here is some encouragement to help you realize if you are up against a BIG exchange:
1. It’s a BIG secret
If you are hiding something that you don’t ever plan on revealing, i.e. money laundering, affairs, gossip, abuse….then this is a moral and or emotional exchange that can keep you tied up in the dark. In order to get out of this, be real with yourself and find out if this is something that you will ultimately share with loved ones as a blessing or if this is a trick of your enemy. Then, get honest with God and yourself, and figure out a plan as to how you can win in the deal.
2. It will Ruin You or Others
The exchange will always cost you to feel like you made a mistake. It will cause shame, emotional turmoil and damage with time. In order to fight against it, calculate your losses, and choose to work beyond the trick into a place of safety and victory so you can recover. When you are struggling with winning the deal, remind yourself of this scripture, Mark 8:37, which states, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his OWN soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange
for his soul?"
3. It will cause Conviction
You will feel a tug at your soul that will let you know that things aren’t peaceful in your spirit. That’s because you’re exchanging values and things that you should hold onto. Choose to work through the conviction and not shove it to the side. Conviction can reveal God’s ultimate plan for your life.
4. It causes Fear
Your BIG exchange will cause you to fear your sense of security, sense of safety and future trajectory. Any decisions you make should make you feel amazing inside. Exchanges always make you feel trashy inside, like you made a wrong turn. No matter how it’s dressed, you will fear that if this exchange continues, you’ll be in big trouble.
As you work through various areas of your life, decisions you must make, and situations you are currently working out, choose to see whether there has been some type of an exchange
made that has caused you to slip in your spirit, emotions, finances, relationships and more. Choose to work through any fears, work with conviction, and choose to fight for yourself and your future. You belong to God, and he has great plans for you. Refuse to allow lust or compromise to rob you of your destiny. Stay with God and thrive!
Woohoo! 🎉 We landed safely in Chicago! So excited about this conference and incredibly thankful for all the amazing NCTM-NCTE staff! 🙌 It’s also wonderful to mingle with great friends in our community! Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! 🌟 #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCTE #NABSE #grit #equity #teacher #TEDx #UF
🌟 Join me in Chicago at the NCTM-NCTE Joint Conference! 🌆 Let’s come together to discuss equitable practices and fostering a sense of belonging in our classrooms! 🤝 Don’t miss out—meet me tomorrow at 2:45 PM! Let’s make it happen! 💪 #NCTM #NCTE #EquityInEducation #Belonging #ChicagoConference #drindiawhite #Litmath25 #Litmath2025 #TEDx #equity #belonging
🌟 Day 3 of FCTM has kicked off fantastically! 🚀 My session was packed, even at 8 AM! Teachers and leaders are ready to build gritty thinking classrooms, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll accomplish this year! 🎉 It’s always wonderful catching up with great friends in our community! Let’s keep the inspiration flowing! 💪 #drindiawhite #fctm #grit #TEDx #UF #NCTM #NCSM #BWXME #NABSE #AASA #NAACP
🌟 Day 2 of FCTM was fantastic! 🎉 We enjoyed an incredible lineup of speakers and had an amazing conversation with Alexander about the power of Grit! 💪 Can’t wait for this morning’s session—join us at 8 AM for more inspiring insights! Let’s keep the momentum going! 🙌 #fctm25 #fctm2025 #grit #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCSM #NABSE #TEDx #UF #btc
🌟 Day 2 of FCTM was fantastic! 🎉 We enjoyed an incredible lineup of speakers and had an amazing conversation with Alexander about the power of Grit! 💪 Can’t wait for this morning's session—join us at 8 AM for more inspiring insights! Let’s keep the momentum going! 🙌 #fctm25 #fctm2025 #grit #drindiawhite #NCTM #NCSM #NABSE #TEDx #UF (I don’t own copyright to music or location)
🌟 Day 1 of FCTM was fantastic! 🥳 We had inspiring discussions about cultivating grit in our students. If you missed out, join me tomorrow at 2:15 PM for a session on building gritty thinking classrooms! Let’s empower our students together! 💪 #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm #nabse #BWXME #FCTM #fctm25 #fctmath #fctm2025 (I don’t own music copyright)
Building Gritty Resilience in the Math Classroom: 10 Tips for Teachers In today’s math classrooms, students are not just learning how to solve equations—they are learning how to solve problems. True success in math comes not only from understanding content but also from developing the perseverance and resilience needed to work through challenges. As educators, we must intentionally cultivate grit in our students to prepare them for academic and lifelong success. Dr. India White, educator, author, and TEDx speaker, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, emphasizing four essential pillars: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These pillars equip students with the internal tools to push through mathematical struggles and embrace productive struggle. As Dr. White says in her TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, "Grit is Great Resilience in Time—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about not giving up" (White, 2021). You can learn more about the G.R.I.T. Framework and access Dr. White’s resources at www.india-white.com and view her TEDx Talk here: The Power of Grit. Here are 10 powerful, research-supported tips to help teachers build gritty resilience in their math classrooms : 1. Foster a Growth Mindset Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth. According to Dweck (2006), students who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through difficult tasks and experience increased academic achievement. Phrases like “You haven’t mastered it yet” and “Mistakes are part of learning” can reframe setbacks. 2. Teach Resilience Through Modeling and Reflection Model resilience by thinking aloud when solving problems. Share your own struggles and how you worked through them. Allow time for students to reflect on challenges and how they overcame them. This builds grit and self-awareness. 3. Build Self-Efficacy with Intentional Encouragement Bandura (1997) emphasized that self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed—is key to motivation. Set high but achievable expectations, and celebrate each small victory. Over time, these build a student’s belief that they can succeed in math. 4. Teach Time Management with Math Tasks Many students struggle because they don’t know how to allocate their time. Break complex math tasks into manageable parts and teach students how to track time using visual timers, checklists, or digital tools. This builds focus and reduces overwhelm. 5. Stay Focused on Your Goals Resilience begins with a clear vision. Help students set short-term and long-term math goals. Use goal-setting journals or anchor charts. As the National Center for Education Statistics (2020) reported, goal setting is positively correlated with higher academic performance. 6. Believe in Yourself—and Teach Students to Do the Same According to research in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, belief in one’s ability to improve can dramatically increase effort and persistence (NCTM, 2018). Include affirmation practices in the classroom such as “Math Mantras” or self-check-ins. 7. Dismiss People's Negative Opinions Create a safe space where students aren’t defined by test scores or stereotypes. Help students recognize that opinions—even their own self-doubt—don’t define their potential. This supports equity and combats stereotype threat (Steele, 2010). 8. Join Others Striving for Success Build classroom community with collaborative learning structures like “Think-Pair-Share” and “Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces” from Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (2021). When students work together toward a shared goal, they build collective resilience. 9. Celebrate Small Wins Often Acknowledging progress—no matter how small—fosters a positive math identity. NCTM (2014) recommends that teachers celebrate effort and strategy, not just correct answers, to support growth and resilience. 10. Embrace Productive Struggle as Part of the Process Don’t rescue students too quickly. Allowing them to sit in “productive struggle” helps develop persistence and problem-solving skills. As Boaler (2016) notes, “Mistakes are where the learning happens.” Final Thoughts Creating a math classroom rooted in G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—is essential to helping students thrive academically and emotionally. Teachers who emphasize these traits not only improve math performance but also equip students with tools for lifelong success. To learn more or access resources for your classroom or Grit Calendar for your students or your team, visit www.india-white.com or click on this link. You can also watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, here. Let’s continue to build gutsy, gritty, math warriors—one resilient step at a time! References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman. Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students' potential through creative math, inspiring messages and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House. Liljedahl, P. (2021). Building thinking classrooms in mathematics, grades K–12: 14 teaching practices for enhancing learning. Corwin. National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Indicators of school crime and safety. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2014). Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all. NCTM. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2018). Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. NCTM. Steele, C. M. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. W.W. Norton & Company. White, I. (2021, November 12). The Power of Grit [Video]. TEDx. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YQOtryL7w
Finishing the School Year Strong: 10 Practical Tips for Teachers Using the G.R.I.T. Framework As the school year draws to a close, teachers often find themselves pushed to the limit. With final assessments, grading, and the hustle of end-of-year activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, finishing strong can create a lasting impact on your students and set a positive tone for the upcoming year. By applying the G.R.I.T. framework: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy and Time Management for Great Resilience in Time—you can not only feel accomplished but also inspire your students to close the year with enthusiasm and purpose. Here are ten practical tips to help you harness G.R.I.T. and finish the school year strong. 1. Set Clear Goals (G) Reflect on the goals you've set for yourself and your students at the start of the year. Take the time to revisit them and set clear, achievable objectives for the final weeks. Encourage your students to set their own goals as well, whether academic, behavioral, or personal. This can help create a sense of purpose and motivation as they strive to meet these targets. 2. Foster a Growth Mindset (R) Resilience is crucial during challenging times, and cultivating a growth mindset can help both you and your students navigate obstacles. Emphasize that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Share stories of perseverance—both yours and those of your students—to inspire resilience and an appreciation for the learning process. 3. Reflect and Adjust (I) Midway through the final marking period, take a moment to reflect on what has worked well this year and what hasn’t. Use student feedback, assessments, and your own observations to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your lesson plans to focus on these areas, ensuring that your teaching remains effective and responsive to your students’ needs. 4. Prioritize Self-Care (I) Integrity in teaching means taking care of yourself so that you can be fully present for your students. Dedicate time to your well-being—whether through exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that recharge you. When you model self-care, you encourage your students to recognize its importance as well. 5. Maintain Consistent Communication (I) Transparent and consistent communication with students and parents builds trust and accountability. Keep families informed about end-of-year expectations and any changes to the curriculum. This helps manage expectations and fosters a shRared commitment to student success as the year comes to an end. 6. Celebrate Achievements (G) As milestones approach, take time to celebrate both individual and collective achievements. Recognizing hard work and progress, whether big or small, reinforces the value of perseverance. Host a celebration event or dedicate a class session to acknowledge accomplishments, creating a positive atmosphere as the year concludes. 7. Be a Role Model for Grit (R,T) Show your students what it means to embody G.R.I.T. By demonstrating your own tenacity in facing challenges, you provide a powerful example. Share your struggles and successes, and explain how you’ve navigated them. This will not only inspire students but also equip them with the mindset necessary for future challenges. 8. Create Collaborative Learning Opportunities (T) Encourage collaboration among students as they review and finalize their learning. Group projects, peer tutoring, or study teams can create a sense of camaraderie and support. This not only fosters a connected classroom community but also enhances learning through shared experiences. 9. Stay Energized and Engaged (G,R) To maintain energy during the final stretch, infuse excitement into your lessons. Use hands-on activities, varied instructional methods, and interactive elements to keep students engaged. An energized classroom will foster a positive learning environment that motivates students to finish strong. 10. Reflect and Plan for Next Year (T) As the year ends, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it to future teaching. Set preliminary goals for the next school year, considering how to integrate the lessons from this year’s experiences. Encouraging students to reflect on their growth can help them carry lessons learned into the next academic year as well. Conclusion Finishing the school year with G.R.I.T. creates a meaningful conclusion for both teachers and students. By focusing on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy and Time Management, you foster a positive environment that not only enhances academic success but also nurtures the personal growth of everyone involved. Let’s finish this school year strong and set the stage for even greater achievements ahead! Looking for more? Visit www.india-white.com for resources to support you as you help your students finish the school year strong!
MCTM 2025 - A Special Message for Minnesota Math Educators Dear Amazing MCTM Participants, First, I want to say how deeply sorry I am that I couldn't join you in person at this year's Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) conference. I was truly looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing alongside each of you. Even though I can't be there, I still wanted to send you a virtual hug and share a little teaser that could spark BIG change in your classrooms: the **G.R.I.T. Framework! What is G.R.I.T.? G.R.I.T. stands for Great Resilience In Time — a transformative framework I created to empower students and educators to break free from the old "sit and get" models of education. It's not just a mindset. It's a movement. Through G.R.I.T., students experience learning without guilt, anxiety, or fear — especially in metacognition. They learn to love the process of thinking, struggling, and succeeding on their own terms. The 4 Pillars of G.R.I.T. 🌱 Growth Mindset Students are taught that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Every misstep is a setup for a comeback. 💪 Resilience We don't shy away from productive struggle. We celebrate it. Students build emotional strength through reflection, retrying, and perseverance. 🧠 Self-Efficacy Students believe that their abilities can grow with effort. They recognize their own potential and gain the courage to take academic risks. 🕒 Time Management Students manage their own learning pace, giving themselves the grace to think deeply without unnecessary pressure. How G.R.I.T. Aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms Dr. Peter Liljedahl's work encourages us to create environments where students are free to think, explore, and collaborate without rigid restrictions. G.R.I.T. supercharges this process by embedding growth, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management into the very fabric of the classroom. Together, G.R.I.T. + BTC allow educators to: - Break traditional classroom "rules" - Center the learning process, not just the answer - Foster true independence and critical thinking - Remove shame and anxiety from the learning journey Bottom Line: Through G.R.I.T., you can truly set students free to FLOW — courageously, confidently, and creatively. Ready to Get Gritty with Me? I'm so excited to connect with you beyond MCTM! Here's how you can dive deeper into building GRITTY classrooms: 🔗 Explore Books, Blogs, GRIT Trainings, and More: Visit: www.india-white.com 📨 Book Dr. India White for: - Speaking Engagements - G.R.I.T. Academy Trainings - School or District Professional Development - Keynotes - Culturally Relevant Math Workshops Contact : Website: **www.india-white.com Email: india.white.123@gmail.com Stay strong, stay gritty, and keep building thinking classrooms that inspire the next generation! With resilience and gratitude, Dr. India White Founder, G.R.I.T. Academy Author | Speaker | Educational Consultant
Forgiveness: Walking in G.R.I.T. and Grace Forgiveness isn't for the faint of heart. It takes G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to truly walk in forgiveness, especially when you've been wronged, mistreated, or misunderstood. But there's no greater example of gritty forgiveness than Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross—suffering, bleeding, and abandoned—He didn’t curse His enemies. He didn’t demand justice in that moment. Instead, He looked toward heaven and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let that sink in. The very people who had betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified Him were the ones He forgave. And He did it in real time, while the pain was still fresh. That’s Great Resilience In Time. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We’re called to forgive those who have: • Abused us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually • Slandered us behind our backs • Taken advantage of our kindness • Lied to us, hurt us, or wronged us in ways words can’t capture Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain was okay. It doesn’t mean you return to harmful situations. But it does mean we release people into God’s hands. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness. And we trust that nobody gets by—God is just, but He is also merciful. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:32 God operates in mercy—not because people always deserve it, but because His heart is for restoration. And if we want God to operate in mercy toward us, we must be willing to pray that same mercy over those who have hurt us. Hence, I want to share with you 5 Tips for Operating in Forgiveness Through G.R.I.T. and Grace: 1. Growth Mindset: Choose to Learn, Not Linger Instead of replaying the pain, ask God what He wants to teach you through it. Every hurt can become holy ground if we allow it to transform us instead of trap us. Forgiveness is a chance to grow. Even when you find yourself lingering in the memories and wondering "What if?", choose to use the moments of hurt as an opportunity to heal and evolve into a greater version of you. 2. Resilience: Bounce Back with God’s Strength Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain—it means you refuse to let it define you. Forgiveness builds spiritual stamina. Each time you choose grace, you build strength in your spirit. The enemy wanted that trial, setback, dissapointment to cause you to give up on God and yourself. However, you must believe that no weapon formed against you shall propser. Never allow Satan to take away your song or your purpose, no matter the weapon or vessel he chooses to attack you through. 3. Self-Efficacy: Believe You Can Forgive with God’s Help Forgiveness may feel impossible—but with God, you can do all things. Self-efficacy is about believing in your ability to move forward. Speak life over yourself: "With God’s help, I can forgive." This is not always an easy process but you can do it! Choose to speak positively about your situation. Tell God that you forgive them and take moments to think about what Jesus must have felt at the cross as he died for you. Sometimes, we are made to emulate the light of Christ so that others will have HOPE. That means we must be willing to be curicifed at thier hands for the Glory of God. However, be encouraged, for the Lord will restore you. 4. Time Management: Don’t Waste Time on Bitterness Bitterness drains energy and time. Let forgiveness help you refocus your time and emotional energy toward purpose, healing, and joy. Steward your time wisely—it’s too precious to spend in bondage. Take time for self-care. Cry it out, seek therapy, have an outlet that will help you develop and heal and mature in a healthy fashion. Understand that all of us fall short; people will most likely dissapoint you, so flow in grace. 5. Great Resilience In Time: Forgive Even When It Still Hurts Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. It requires Great Resilience In Time —the ability to keep choosing grace, even when the pain is fresh. Jesus forgave while He was still on the cross. We, too, can learn to forgive even while healing. Through your forgiveness you'll find revelation that will bring your closer to your heavenly Father. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to others, yes, but also to yourself. It frees your heart. It releases your soul. It makes space for God to heal what others tried to break. Jesus didn’t wait for an apology. He forgave in real time—with G.R.I.T. and grace. So today, let’s strive to do the same. Let’s live with: • A growth mindset that says, “God can use even this.” • Resilience that says, “I will not be broken.” • Self-efficacy that says, “I can do this with God.” • Time management that says, “I will not waste one more second holding a grudge.” Let’s walk in Great Resilience In Time and extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. So, wipe you tears, forgive, reset, start over, and thrive through G.R.I.T. and Grace. Love, India Want more? Visit www.india-white.com to schedule a meeting or book me for an event. Want a copy of the Grit Workbook for Clergy (Pastors) Click here!