You Get to Do This

I don’t know about you but It seems like summer went by in a hurry. For many of my teacher friends, this week marks the beginning of the return to school, with professional development starting and students just a week away. As someone who spent over 30 years in education, I know there are always mixed feelings that come with this time of year.

There is excitement about seeing students again, reconnecting with colleagues, getting back into a routine and starting a new year. But there is also the realization that the slower summer mornings, more free time and flexibility are coming to an end. I remember that feeling well—being excited about what was ahead while also wishing summer could last just a little longer. One of the perks of “retirement” is not having these concerns!

I have been working on a professional development initiative and an idea from Jon Gordon has stuck with me that I think is especially appropriate this time of year: instead of focusing on what we "have to do," focus on what we "get to do."

It made me think about some things educators don’t have to do, but instead get to do. Sometimes it depends on our perspective….

For example, teachers don't have to walk into a classroom filled with students who are counting on them. They get to.

They don't have to build relationships with students who may need someone to believe in them. They get to.

They don't have to help a student discover something they didn't think they could do. They get to.

They don't have to be the teacher a student remembers years later because of something they said, taught or simply did for them. They get to.

They don’t have to connect with colleagues and gain wisdom from working in teams and sharing ideas on what is best for students. They get to.

Of course, there will be plenty of things educators have to do this year. There will be meetings, paperwork, difficult conversations, long days, challenging students, parent concerns, and moments when the job feels like work. That's a reality I know too well.

But there will also be those moments that remind you why you chose education in the first place—a student finally understands something, a former student stops to say hello, a colleague thanks you for something you did for them after a long day, or you see a student gain confidence because you took the time to believe in them.

Those are the get tos.

So, to all of my educator friends heading back this week, I want to say thank you. Thank you for choosing a profession that gives you the opportunity to influence young people every single day. Thank you for the time, patience, energy and care you will give to students who may not always realize how much you are doing for them.

I know the transition from summer back to school isn't always easy. But as another school year begins, maybe we can all remind ourselves to focus a little less on what we have to do and a little more on what we get to do.

Another school year is another opportunity to make a difference. And that's something worth being excited about!

Have a great week!

Coach K