Most people go into education because they want to make a difference. It isnāt money, fame, or recognition educators seek; it's the chance to leave a legacy in the heart of a child. My bet is that you became an educator because you want to make a difference. You are in the right field. Education is a career that enables you to make an impact on future generations by changing the lives of young people in the present.
Be the One for Kids came from many different conversations with educators from a variety of schools. In the past thirteen years, I have taught at twelve schools (some years I taught at six different elementary schools per week) and was a vice principal for two years at a high school before becoming an elementary principal. My journey to becoming a principal was very purposeful and a huge learning experience. The journey was tough but well worth it. I am at a point where I love my job. I wake up each day and spend time with teachers, parents, and students. Having taught at every level in education and at many different sites in different socioeconomic areas, I have seen what works as well as what needs to change.
I want to share my passion for education and my passion for relationships, and I believe educators can be the one for kids by simply enhancing their teaching practices and building relationships.
Throughout my journey, I have had countless conversations with educators who were filled with excuses. They chose not to try something new because no one else would try it. Too afraid to make the leap or intimidated because it was not the popular thing, they let opportunity pass them by. Experience has shown that sometimes all it takes is one person willing to take a risk and get creative to bring about positive change. I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how one person willing to make a different choice can change the life of a child.
Not every child inherently loves school. I had the pleasure to teach with an educator who took that to heart. She felt it was her job to make sure every student not only left her class with all first-grade content knowledge but also found something they loved about school. She was determined to find that one thing that would get kids out of bed.
Working with the local high school wood shop class, she was able to create the opportunity for first-grade students to have woodshop woven into their daily curriculum. Fast forward twelve years: Graduating from high school, these students came back to thank this educator for helping them find that one thing that ignited their passion for education.
You possess the power to Be the One for Kids. Donāt be afraid to unleash it.
Things to Consider and Tweet
- How can you Be the One for Kids?
- How can you Be the One for Others?
- How do you find that one thing that ignites their passion for learning?
#BeTheOne
