This is our legacy as educators. To care so deeply about the future of this world that we are willing at times to bruise our own egos in pursuit of a collective better for our kids and this world.
Reframing Fear
But First: Support
And sometimes support looks like making copies of the reading for people and subbing in classrooms. I believe so deeply in this work that I am willing to do whatever it takes to remove barriers. I subbed in a classroom last week, and I think I'm a better leader because of it. The further we are from the classroom and the day-to-day of our schools, the less clear we become about the support that is really needed. This is also why teacher and student voices are critical in the continuous improvement process. To my administrator friends, put on your sneakers, get out of your office, roll up your sleeves, and help out.
Fight Perfection with Connection
The next time you find yourself hyper-focused on something that didn't go perfectly, give yourself space to ask why this matters so much to you. Somewhere in that story, there is probably a kid who simply needs some love and encouragement. And one of the best ways to find love and encouragement is to step outside of ourselves and give to others that which we personally need. Fight perfection with connection.
1st Week Confessions
So, while we figure this out, the way to find peace and calm and joy every day in our work, let's allow ourselves to do it imperfectly. A high school student asked for help getting to class today, and I was happy to show her, so we walked together. She said, "Are you my teacher? You make me feel calm." I know there are many students out there who feel that way about many of us in schools. So, we aren't just double cheeseburger eaters and coffee drinkers. We aren't just to-do list machines. We are educators. We are calm (most of the time, ha.) and capable. We are the imperfect people who make others feel calm and capable. And I love that about us.
The Joy of Feeling Small
I guess I'm going to start saying no, so I can say yes. I'm going to say no to rushing through my days, so I can hug a little longer, laugh a little wilder, and love a little bigger.
Let’s Be Fireflies
This work is hard. This work is important. This work is made better when we leverage the strengths of teammates and work together to design learning experiences.
More Creating Less Defending
Whether its instructional practices, communication, or leadership moves, we are going to mess up. And we will keep messing up. And some lessons, we will never stop learning over and over again. But isn't that beautiful? Because it means we care and that we showed up and that we are trying. So, instead of wasting time complaining, justifying, in denial, perhaps our time is better spent creating something new or tweaking and remixing.
Go First
As I mention in my upcoming book, Legacy of Learning, our schools don't need more shiny perfect people. We need more deeply human people. Modeling care, reflection, sincere apologies, and learning, and changed behavior. We need people who see, celebrate, and utilize the strengths of others. People who truly believe we are better together.
Cutting Goals in Half
Life is hard enough. The pressures of work or being a parent are hard enough. We don't need to make it harder on ourselves by setting unrealistic expectations. Thinking and moving smaller can help us achieve more in the end. It can help us feel better too. You know?
Lessons Learned from Swift
I couldn't get over the number of times Taylor would pause, smile, hold her hand to her heart, and seem genuinely in the moment and grateful that we showed up. It never got old. Sure, she might do that at every show. But this doesn't mean I didn't believe her. I couldn't help but smile and feel seen in the sea of fans. With genuine words of appreciation and through her body language, she communicated gratitude and kindness and care. We can all learn a little something from her in this area. This is how we want all learners to feel in school every day. Deeply seen and cared for, like they are a part of something bigger than themselves that really matters, and like their unique contributions really matter. Because they do.
MEGHAN LAWSON 