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Jessie: Have you found yourself going down the “if only” path lately? “If only my students and colleagues respected my expertise and ideas more, then I would feel so much better about my job!” “If only this was more fun, then I could enjoy what I am doing more.” “If only my school would do this, this, and that, then it would be so much better.” “If only we did it here more like they do over there, then we wouldn’t be in this mess!”
Joel: I am right there with you. I have definitely been going down that “if only” path. “If only our teachers saw how much is happening behind the scenes, then they wouldn’t have so many worries!” “If only everyone brought some more joy, then we could make the most of this reality.” “If only our district would do this, this, and that, then it would be so much better.” You are not alone with these “if only” thoughts. Today, we will be talking about the 3 Truths You Need to Hear to Embrace the Teaching Journey.
Jessie: Depending on where you are at right now, these truths might seem a little too truth-y. We are doing that on purpose. Today is all about hearing the truths that we actually need to hear not the ones we might want to hear. Welcome to today’s episode: Master of None: 3 Truths You Need to Hear to Embrace the Teaching Journey.
Who We Are and Who We Are Not
Joel: Today is all about hearing, and actually listening to, some truths in order to embrace this teacher journey we are on. We are going to get real. Are you ready to start naming these truths? Are you ready to rip off the metaphorical bandaid?
Jessie: Not quite! Before we do that, I want to make sure we take a moment to reflect first. We have to practice what we preach which is that you never want to dig into new strategies without pausing first, reflecting, and getting clear on what’s going on with yourself and why that might be.
Joel: Fine. We won’t rip off the metaphorical bandaid just yet. 🙂 I wrote down some reflection questions to get us going. Today is all about recognizing who we are and who we are not – what we can do and what is out of our control.
- What is one thing that you have realized that you are NOT as a teacher? What is one thing that you have realized is out of your control as a teacher? When and how did you learn that?
- When did you first realize that there was no such thing as a perfect teacher or a perfect school? How did you figure that out?
- Without peeking, are there any hard teacher truths that you have had to be aware of lately? What happened? What about beautiful teacher truths? Any ah-ha awareness moments lately?
Jessie: Thank you, Joel! True change only happens with action – and a big part of that action is pausing and reflecting first before deciding to do something.
3 Truths You Need to Hear Today
Jessie: Now Joel, let’s get to the 3 Truths You Need to Hear to Embrace the Teaching Journey. We will share a truth. We will share how that truth is sitting with us and showing up right now. And finally, we will share WHY it is important to be aware of that truth.
Joel: Let’s do it. I invite us – you, me, and all of you listening – to be willing to hear and listen to these important truths. Here we go.
- Truth #1: You are not a Master Teacher. Few people are. That’s okay.
- Truth #2: Increase your Joy Factor. If you can’t enjoy where you are at now, you will never be happy at your next step/location/position.
- Truth #3: The grass is always greener where you water it. Water your d*mn grass!
Bonus Truth: Greener grass usually means rich fertilizer. Sh*t is gonna happen. Let it enrich the situation.
Call to action
Jessie: As much as you might want to jump into these truths, make sure you take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on who you are and who you are not – what you can control and what you cannot. Then, identify one truth that is currently resonating with you. (It’s okay if only one or two do!) Once you identify the truth or truths that you need to hear and focus on, write them down.
Joel: And we aren’t kidding when we say write them down. Put pen to paper because it is so important to help you stay accountable to yourself and how you respond to these truths. Write down things like: Why is that truth important to you? How is that truth sitting with you right now? How does that truth show up for you right now? What does this truth look like for you? You want to get as specific as possible with these truths.
Jessie: Whatever it looks like for you, write it down and choose how you will embrace them on your teaching journey. You might be a “master of none” but you can always choose how you will respond to these truths on your teaching journey. Do this now.
All the Good Stuff
- 4 Secrets to Fight Teacher Burnout
- Joel’s Inspiration: Trade Coffee
- Jessie’s Inspiration: The Huntress by Kate Quinn
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