Find your passion!
As educators we naturally are passionate about student
success. We say it in many different ways: “The Ah-ha moment,” when they hit
their goal, when they accomplish something they didn’t think they could. Our
success revolves around our student success. But I want to you to ask yourself –
what are you passionate about when it comes to our craft? Is it closing student
gaps? Phonics and the importance of intentionally teaching it? Helping students
find connections between the Civil War and why it is important to them?
What is your favorite part about being a teacher other than
the kids? What nerdy topic get you excited? What brings out your soap box? What
is the thing that makes you look for better practices? Mine is growing my
teachers. I want my teachers to be lifelong learners that are craving to be
better. If a teacher wants to be better, then they have their students’ best
interest at heart. They are wanting to grow to meet their students’ needs.
Teachers that are stagnant are not looking for new ways to reach their students,
they are expecting their students to align with what “has always worked.” There
are many ways to invest your teachers and it is important that you look at your
teachers holistically – as a whole person.
Know your teachers. Talk to them and get to know what they
like, what they need, who their families are. Really listen when they talk
about personal topics. Ask teachers about their kids, their pets, their
weekend. You do not have to be best friends, but you do really need to care
about them. When you are having these conversations, it isn’t to check off the
list that you talked to them; it is to truly connect with your teachers. Some
people will open up to you more than others and it is important to allow your
teachers to each select the relationship they build with you – you aren’t the
boss of what they share or don’t share with you. Let the relationship grow naturally and don’t
force your agenda.
Grow your teachers. When you talk to your teachers ask them
about what they love about teaching – with no other agenda than to listen. When
you hear them talk about the part of teaching that brings a smile to their
face, that dominates the majority of their conversations, or you see them share
it take over their social media; ask what you can do to help them learn more
about that part. Do they need information? Look for articles that give them a
start in the right direction. Do they need training? Help find professional
development for them to attend. Is it resources? Help find the resources they
need to be successful. Sometimes teachers need help seeing they have
aspirations. They need encouragement to go after something challenging.
Love your teachers. Having a positive presupposition is
going to make your life easier. If you know that your teachers are doing the best
they can, what can you do to help them? Show your staff that you care; show
empathy when they need it. Do things that show you care, ask for feedback on
how they prefer communication, ask what you can do to lighten their load, know
their love language, check in on them during the day, etc.… Remember what you
would have liked when you were in the classroom and do that.
Educators all have passions about particular facets within
our field. You need to find yours.
