6/7/2020 7 Comments "To create a connected, relationship-based team ...require(s) remarkable courage in action. They require brave leaders who aren’t scared to step into discomfort and who understand that trust is built in the small moments." Dr. Jody CarringtonSo we come to the final post! What do we do now?
First, you need to remind yourself of your power and influence as a teacher, as one of the most impactful relationships in a child’s life. And accept that awesome responsibility. Sekreter (2019) says that teachers with positive self-regard and highly developed self-awareness are self-motivated to learn and communicate effectively with others. They can accurately assess their own strengths and limitations and want to receive new perspectives and feedback from others to learn from. They have a positive impact on others and create a positive cycle in relationships where people speak clearly and assertively. Most importantly, they acknowledge that they are the best for the teaching profession. That is a powerful statement. You are the best for the teaching profession. Yes indeed. Next you need to find your team of like-minded teachers (you can start here!) who also believe that this work is a calling, and that it is extremely important and pivotal for children. This team should support you, and challenge you, question and wonder with you about what it is to teach and how we can be better. And yes, sometimes it is going to fall to you to be the first one to be brave and courageous, and start the conversation. You will be respected for your willingness to engage in hard, meaningful discussions about this work. I was recently asked if being vulnerable and courageous is ever “too much” or the wrong approach in teaching. Here was my response: I think that being vulnerable is never the wrong approach, because the intentions are right. There are definitely boundaries around "over sharing" but these circumstances usually happen when someone has different motives that educating or connection driving the sharing (personal processing, needing sympathy, trying to achieve connection in an authentic way). I believe that when the motives are to truly to build relationship, to understand that we are all human and important in the classroom, and to deeply know each person in the room, this is always right. This requires an open heart from all, including the teacher. This type of environment also allows for forgiveness when it isn't the right thing (so it's still right). Being vulnerable and courageous doesn't mean you have to lay it all out on the floor in an emotional mess; it means really seeing others and being willing to be seen, for all of our great flaws and strengths to come together to make something new. I sincerely hope that you have not been put off by my own vulnerability, and that you are willing to be a part of MY team as I move forward to become the best teacher (person) I can possibly be. I am definitely willing to be a part of yours. As Jody Carrington (2019) says, “Sit with the winners. The conversation is different.” You are all winners. Thank you for engaging in conversation with me. With great admiration and respect, Jana *. *. * Please share a comment below about what this post made you consider or wonder.
7 Comments
Valerie Warner
6/8/2020 02:57:08 pm
Upon reading the last section I am overcome with emotion because I am so proud of you and to have been your Mom all these years. What a priviliege to have watched you blossom and grow. What an honour to read your words that are so expressive and so filled with heart. I have no doubt that you and your team will make positive changes in the lives of so many students, and will be role models for other teachers who, by osmosis, may adopt your passion and come to realize how important their role of teacher truly is for so many. My geography teacher changed the trajectory of my life by saying 2 sentences to me in the high school hallway 55 years ago. The sentences were: "I've heard you're not going to University. I think that's a big mistake". Then he walked away. Because of Mr. Mc Caffery I DID go on to get my Master of Social Wrork degree. Can you imagine how many sentences your have spoken to children over your career that may have made a life changing impression on them? They may never tell you - I regret never having told Mr. McCaffery - but I hope your heart knows for sure. During this Covid - 19 epidemic millions of parents are now realizing first hand the incredible dedication and hard work of teachers!
Reply
Nady
6/16/2020 12:30:40 pm
Dear Jana,
Reply
6/19/2020 03:08:39 pm
Great project Jana. Thank you for including me. I love Brene Brown and I can see that she has had a strong influence on you. That vulnerability idea is, like everything, complex. Is it safe to be vulnerable with everyone? I'd be interested to know you thoughts. My son and I talk about this. When you struggle with reading there are definitely those who will shame you for it, but ultimately hiding and pretending is so damaging. It is so great when you can find those people who you can be vulnerable with, and what that looks like seems different for everyone. My son has a friend at school who created a meme for him saying, "You can't read!!" and making a goofy face. My son put it on his phone as his background. I got a call from his teacher all concerned and she had a big talk with the student. My son was horrified by what the teacher did and told me how much he appreciated that his friend accepted him enough to harass him rather than be all hush hush about it. So much is determined by intention and relationship.
Reply
Amal
6/20/2020 11:39:22 pm
Oh Jana,
Reply
jana el-guebaly
6/24/2020 10:53:50 am
I look so forward to continuing work with you Amal - you are most definitely doing the right thing and I am so glad that you are pursuing your teaching agree.
Reply
jana el-guebaly
6/24/2020 05:39:36 pm
*degree :)
nick moskaluk
6/30/2020 11:38:32 am
If there's anything I have learned from you it is that there's no way this job can be done without a network of people who care about each other and understands what makes each of us tick. Its been a crazy year full of unknowns, new experiences and I appreciate how you have shared your thoughts and vulnerabilities with the world. We will only get commitment from kids, parents and colleagues if we show them who really are, because if we don't its just empty words and relationships wont be made and grown.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
|