Dear Readers,
While day-tripping in New York City recently, I was struck by how much scaffolding frames everyday life, required by city safety laws to protect workers and pedestrians while buildings are inspected, repaired, and reinforced. These temporary structures may seem inconvenient, but they exist to support something being reshaped or strengthened. The word “ scaffold” comes from the Old French “eschaffaut,” for a raised platform or viewing stand.
I came to a different understanding of scaffolding as a writing practice during grad school, as a way to break complex ideas into smaller, supported steps to build on learning. Over time, I’ve come to see scaffolding everywhere—in songwriting or editing drafts, in professional development, and during my end-of-year rituals. I try to see each year as a scaffolded level built upon the others. If the work within the scaffolding of 2025 seems unfinished, look to your colleagues, fellow practitioners, and the learning institutions we represent for guidance to continue fortifying our lessons into 2026.
In this issue:
With appreciation,
Autumn Walden
Editor, AACRAO Connect, Content Strategy Manager, AACRAO
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