Legacy of Learning

Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Last Impact makes its arrival into the world today. As a small thank you to those of you who kindly read my weekly blog, I wanted to share a sneak peek from the book intro below.

We do not find our legacy in what we alone can do. We find our legacy in what others can do as a result of their time with us. I’m grateful for the beautiful legacy of learning that each of you carry with you. Thank you for your wholehearted approach to growing the hearts and minds of students and staff. I hope this book gives you the encouragement and energy you need to keep going.

Excerpt from the book intro:

Whenever I think about quitting, I think of Mrs. Boggess, my first-grade teacher. I needed her more than I’ve ever needed a teacher. Because on February 12, 1989, my dad lost his battle with leukemia. I can remember the day my mom came home from the hospital to tell us. She sat on my canopy bed and tried to find the words. My dad and I were very close, and I tried to comprehend this terrible loss. I flew off my bed and ran to the window where in a fit of grief, hot tears running down my face, I managed to rip the blinds off the window. While my body was out of control with this grief, my mind suddenly became clear. I turned to her, looked her square in the eyes and asked, “Will we have enough food to eat?” During those early, formative years of my life, my mom had stayed home to raise us. We understood that our dad went to work to provide for us. Now that he was gone, I wondered how we would survive without him.

When it was time for me to go back to school, it was hard to imagine letting my mom out of my sight. I can still remember her pulling the car up in front of my elementary school. I remember the heaviness in my body. I can remember the fear I felt. It was going to take Herculean strength to pull that door handle and walk out the door away from her. Until I saw them. My classmates. They were standing at the front door with their faces pressed against the glass, waving and cheering for me to come into the school.

It was as if Mrs. Boggess knew exactly what I needed at that moment and had rolled out the red carpet for my arrival. She could have tried to “play it cool” and “make it normal” but she knew this wasn’t normal, and that I needed some encouragement. This was a bold move which turned out to be the right move. And for the rest of that school year, she had my back. Over and over again. There were times when I needed a lot of grace, which she gave to me. She was exactly what I needed during that difficult time.

I’m so glad Mrs. Boggess showed up. I’m so glad she didn’t quit. I still get emotional thinking about the impact she had on me. That’s legacy work right there. I reached out to Mrs. Boggess while writing this book. I was surprised to learn that she lived in the neighborhood where I grew up. The same neighborhood that I lived in when she was my 1^st grade teacher. I took my time to carefully write my words on a card in an effort to explain just how much she meant to me. Imagine my joy when a couple of weeks later, she replied. Her card was filled with artfully written cursive letters and her adult account of our time together. She wrote:

Hi Meghan,

I’m so sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your lovely note. My mail was stopped as my husband and I were on a cruise. Brandy (my daughter) told me that you had written me. I’m honored that you have included me in your upcoming book. How special is that?

I remember you and your 1^st grade year very well. You had been telling me for quite a while that your daddy would be coming home from the hospital on Valentine’s Day. If memory serves me correctly, he passed away either on or near Valentine’s Day. My heart broke for you. I attended his funeral. How sad. He was so young. I thought how are we going to help this sweet little girl get through this. The only thing I knew to do was make your classroom a safe, caring, loving place to come to each day. The other children (even at 6 years old) understood what we needed to do to take care of you and make school a happy place for you to be. It warms my heart to hear from you that we handled it in the right way.

I remember seeing your dance competitions a few years later as Brandy danced too. You were a talented little dancer, and I was so proud of you. As for our neighborhood, we have lived in the same house for over 50 years. I knew that you lived in [the same neighborhood] when you were in my class. You were too young to realize it.

It is wonderful to see that you are happy in your personal and professional life.

Hearing from former students and a note like yours makes my thirty years of teaching worthwhile.

Love always,

Linda Boggess

PS: Let me know when your book comes out. 😊

I was amazed by the details she remembered, and it was powerful to hear the perspective of an adult who knew me during such a difficult time in my childhood.

I noticed in her response that she mentioned not being sure what to do at first. Such a relatable feeling as an educator. We are often unsure if we are making the right decisions. When she goes to explain that the only thing she knew to do was to make the classroom a “safe, loving, and caring place to come to each day,” the thing she knew to do was the exact thing I needed most. I’m so grateful she followed her “teacher gut” and encouraged my classmates to join her in supporting me. We have instincts as educators. Sometimes, we question those instincts because there are many voices telling us what we “should” do. Often, the feeling comes to us in a whisper, but it almost always sends us in the right direction if we can tune into it. Mrs. Boggess’s letter was a kind reminder to trust our gut. Additionally, she trusted the class to make the classroom a happy place for me, and I felt that from them. We are never too young to make a difference. Our students can make a positive difference in our classrooms and schools today. Finally, she shared the credit. She explained, “It warms my heart to hear from you and that we handled it the right way.” Whether we are growing a positive culture in the classroom, a school, or a district, sharing the credit is an effective strategy for growing a sense of belonging and ownership. In a short letter, Mrs. Boggess managed to give a master class in classroom culture. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful.

You have deeply impacted students too. Some of them will tell you about your impact and many may never tell you, but you are leaving a legacy. You are giving others the strength to move forward, the strength to believe in themselves, the strength to try to make this world a better place. Knowing this makes being an educator so meaningful.

But we don’t have to suffer while we make this kind of impact. In fact, the more we can live well and be well, the more our impact will grow and shine onto others. When we are able to discern what really matters to us and that which matters less, we can give more energy in the places that matter most. When we are clear about what we know is good for learners and what we know  really matters, the more likely we are to inspire the best in our students and colleagues.

Inside of each of us is the educator and human being we always wanted to be. I hope this book helps you find your way forward. Because this world needs you now more than ever. With some small moves and intentionality, you can live a really good life while making a lasting impact on learners.

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