Unless... the support is there

As educators, we are constantly setting goals. Goals for our students, goals for ourselves as teachers, goals for our staff and goals for our school.

When I set my personal goals this year, I was a little confused with what I was actually going to focus on. Being new to the position and not really being clear what my role actually was made it extra difficult for me to narrow it down. But after lots of thought and notes, I finally narrowed it down to work on building relationships with staff and building a positive image for the coaches in our district. My previous post came from before my meeting with our assistant superintendent. I was going in with self-reflected data and a list of my strengths and weaknesses as a coach. Not was I was expecting to bring as "data".

You should know that when I first started in the classroom, my now assistant superintendent was my principal. I learned very quickly that she is just as amazing today as she was when I first started teaching. When we sat down for my evaluation, she allowed me to share all my data (if you would call it that) and asked a few questions here and there.

Then I shared the dreadful thought that has been haunting me since I have started. I shared how I really am not sure this is the position for me. At first she was surprised and didn't agree with me at all. She thought I was blossoming to become quite a powerful coach. However, she followed it up with her support of whatever I choose to do. If I wanted to go back to the classroom, she shared she would support my decision because she thought I would be great wherever I was.

I left my meeting feeling pretty amazing. However, it really didn't sink in until a few days later. I started having teachers seek my help. They are trusting my abilities and want my coaching advice. It feels as if this weight of doubt has been lifted all because of the support that surrounds me. I have other people who support me as well, but I guess I was either waiting for the right person, or enough people to add up.

This got me thinking about the support we offer those around us. Are we supporting each other? Or are we critical of one another? If we put our differences aside and worked together to help each other become the best educator possible, would that make an impact on our students? Is it possible that if we just cared about each other in a non-threatening way we could make a bigger impact than we are right now?

Just remember words by Dr. Seuss the next time you are critical of another teacher. Think about the what a difference you would make if you were there to support them instead of judge.

Because...

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."

Care about someone and show it. Show your never ending support for the teachers around you. Imagine how you can change the world.

Merry Christmas!