Teachable Moments
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Birds of a Feather
We have all heard the saying, "Birds of a Feather Flock Together".
Recently, I went to a park that had a large, magnificiently beautiful lake.
I sat quietly with my thoughts... pondering...processing...praying!
I began to notice the variety of feathered friends-ducks, pigeons, seagulls and such.
After they boldly approached any extended hand with a morsel of bread and
dined sufficiently among "mixed feathered company", each type of species went their
own way-either by walking along the park, mounting into the air or paddling
gracefully across the blue waters.
I continued to watch the birds who took flight and they were of the same species.
I did not see a seagull, pigeon and sparrow accompany one another in a V-like
formation. It dawned on me, with great clarity, that birds of a feather do
actually flock together. What a revelation!
As an educator, I find that staff members basically do the same thing. It is
also said that "you know a person by the company they keep". People who
are positive, innovative, creative and inspirational connect with one another.
These folks believe in the best, the talent, the skill and the intelligence of
their students. They are willing to go the extra mile to inspire their students
to fully embrace their potential. Then there are those other folks...you know
who they are....hopefully YOU don't fit in this category. These are the
educators who always have something negative to say. They constantly
find fault and rarely take responsibility for any of their own actions. They
are not content to be unhappy by themselves, instead they want to make
as many people on the campus unhappy right along with them.
My advice is to follow the example of our feathered friends...if you are
a positive person, find those who are positive as well. If you believe in
the potential of children, find those who will also celebrate the best in children!
Soar!
Recently, I went to a park that had a large, magnificiently beautiful lake.
I sat quietly with my thoughts... pondering...processing...praying!
I began to notice the variety of feathered friends-ducks, pigeons, seagulls and such.
After they boldly approached any extended hand with a morsel of bread and
dined sufficiently among "mixed feathered company", each type of species went their
own way-either by walking along the park, mounting into the air or paddling
gracefully across the blue waters.
I continued to watch the birds who took flight and they were of the same species.
I did not see a seagull, pigeon and sparrow accompany one another in a V-like
formation. It dawned on me, with great clarity, that birds of a feather do
actually flock together. What a revelation!
As an educator, I find that staff members basically do the same thing. It is
also said that "you know a person by the company they keep". People who
are positive, innovative, creative and inspirational connect with one another.
These folks believe in the best, the talent, the skill and the intelligence of
their students. They are willing to go the extra mile to inspire their students
to fully embrace their potential. Then there are those other folks...you know
who they are....hopefully YOU don't fit in this category. These are the
educators who always have something negative to say. They constantly
find fault and rarely take responsibility for any of their own actions. They
are not content to be unhappy by themselves, instead they want to make
as many people on the campus unhappy right along with them.
My advice is to follow the example of our feathered friends...if you are
a positive person, find those who are positive as well. If you believe in
the potential of children, find those who will also celebrate the best in children!
Soar!