Teachable Moments
Friday, March 04, 2011
Wear the Coat!
I know there should be a separation between church and state...but...I learned a lesson this week that I think has practical application to all of us as educators!
A minister spoke at Bible study of a character in the Bible named Joseph. He was the youngest child or the "child born in the father's old age". The father found a way to show everyone how much more he loved this son to everyone in the family and the community! To show his expression of love and devotion to this favored son, the father made him a "coat of many colors".
Now the point of this....We all have qualities, skills and talents. It makes us stick out among other colleagues who are complacent and satisfied with just doing enough to get by...nothing more or nothing less.
Too often, exemplary teachers will remain quiet and unassuming about their ability to reach children in a powerful, meaningful and engaging way. They do...what they do...without trying to draw attention to themselves...
Why? There are "haters" in every school community. They never really want an exemplary teacher to shine, because that would mirror the mediocrity that they get paid for doing...or not doing...everyday!
Therefore, they have a lot of "hater" language that they drop in your ear or someone who is shallow enough to repeat it! Such things as..."it doesn't take all that"..."these kids don't deserve that"..."just give the kids busy work and you will have an easy day"...
Does any of this sound familiar?
I will challenge you to "Wear the Coat"!
Allow your qualities, skills and talents to shine!!! Don't worry about what other people think, do or say! Don't be afraid to showcase your power as an effective educator and the positive outcomes with your students!
WEAR THE COAT!!!!!!!
A minister spoke at Bible study of a character in the Bible named Joseph. He was the youngest child or the "child born in the father's old age". The father found a way to show everyone how much more he loved this son to everyone in the family and the community! To show his expression of love and devotion to this favored son, the father made him a "coat of many colors".
Now the point of this....We all have qualities, skills and talents. It makes us stick out among other colleagues who are complacent and satisfied with just doing enough to get by...nothing more or nothing less.
Too often, exemplary teachers will remain quiet and unassuming about their ability to reach children in a powerful, meaningful and engaging way. They do...what they do...without trying to draw attention to themselves...
Why? There are "haters" in every school community. They never really want an exemplary teacher to shine, because that would mirror the mediocrity that they get paid for doing...or not doing...everyday!
Therefore, they have a lot of "hater" language that they drop in your ear or someone who is shallow enough to repeat it! Such things as..."it doesn't take all that"..."these kids don't deserve that"..."just give the kids busy work and you will have an easy day"...
Does any of this sound familiar?
I will challenge you to "Wear the Coat"!
Allow your qualities, skills and talents to shine!!! Don't worry about what other people think, do or say! Don't be afraid to showcase your power as an effective educator and the positive outcomes with your students!
WEAR THE COAT!!!!!!!