I reflect on my accomplishments this past year, aspirations for the new one and dissonance I still have for how to move forward in a system that sometimes is stagnant.
I think about how the past year, I've focussed on doing better by improving my teaching. I'm so very grateful for my group of 23 very interesting and talented students who keep me laughing and motivated.
I'm proud and blessed for the connections I have made with them and their families; because I know that it is relationships that come first in this job. While others still struggle to understand and value the importance of relationships needing to come a the forefront, I find myself getting frustrated that some "just don't get it."
I don't understand how some can become so easily frustrated with students' struggling academics and not take into account the integral piece relationships play in this part of this puzzle.
I don't understand how some give up.
I don't understand how we can be "done" with some kids.
I don't understand how we can continue to pass the buck, place blame and use students' socio-economic situations or diagnoses to make us feel 'okay" with their lack of achievement.
Frustration. Pure frustration.
"Human growth is not like producing hydroponic tomatoes.
It can be nurtured and encouraged , but it cannot be forced."
- Fullan & Hargreaves, 2012
And how true this is.
We cannot force people to care more.
We cannot force them to pay more attention to connections and relationships.
We cannot force them to "do better."
So, what can we do?
We invite.
We invite them to be kinder.
We invite them to listen.
We invite them to learn.
We invite them to watch and listen.
We model.
We model positive and healthy student interactions.
We model what positive connections and relationships look like every day.
We model the joy we have in our jobs.
We model how high expectations and motivation drives us, as a classroom community.
We model the importance these kids have in our lives, with these kids.
We model that we don't make excuses, we create solutions.
We model the connections and differences we make, together.
We know frustration is part of our job.
We ALL know that feeling of feeling defeated, stressed and exhausted.
But we move on. We push on.
We find ways to invigorate ourselves.
We lean on each other as teachers, colleagues and families.
We support each other.
We grow.
So, as we look forward to 2017 what are some things that we can do more of and less of?
More kindness.
More passion.
More balance.
More connection.
More conversation.
More teamwork and collaboration.
More sharing.
More we, less me.
Be open.
Be open to change.
Be open to new possibilities and opportunities.
Be open to changing up your teaching game.
Be open to accepting help and guidance.
We need to stop being so hard on ourselves.
Stop looking over to see why the grass is greener.
Stop making excuses for things.
Stop trying to do it all, and do one or two things well.
Stop demanding and complaining and start connecting and inspiring.
Stop comparing and start leading.
Start taking initiatives.
Start dreaming.
Start organizing.
Start connecting.
Start making more meaningful relationships.
Start 2017 with more invitations, and less frustrations.
