Are we sculptors- shaping and carving in a studio of our making? The chisel and mallet in hand, forcing clay to do our bidding? Are we machinists- with a specific job along a giant assembly line? Day after day, constructing our section, of the finished product. Are we activists, with our goal in sight, never pausing to see the alternative? Are we words, or are we action? Do we speak truth and operate in our own mindset? Do we practice, precision, accuracy and certainty? Do we sit in our bubble, snug and protected, safe in our outlook?
Are we thieves of creativity? Do we buckle the protective device so tight, that there is no give? No wiggle room, for the innovative to redesign and engineer a new mechanism. Are we afraid to rock the boat, afraid to let a little water pool at our feet? Do we listen and ignore? Do we use our hesitation and suspicion to knock others down, so we feel better about ourselves? Are we a person who lifts or buries? A person who collaborates or complies? Do we see the landscape of education as barren, parched- a wasteland. Or do we see a thriving labyrinth, imaginative and thriving- just in need of a little focus and nurturing?
Are we more than our mistakes- overcoming adversity- looking down the barrel of complacency and negativity? Do we notice beyond the scope of judgment? Do we embody change as a profession? Who are most educators really? There are those that have lost their way- we all became educators to make a difference. There are those who sacrifice and entice, fully submerge themselves. But, there are others who dedicate themselves but find a balance between 'educator mode' and 'personal mode.' Who are most educators, really? They are flawed and gifted, emotional and professional, engaging and committed people. They love what they do and they enthusiastically share their ideas with their students.
We Are
We are scientists, astronomers, astronauts- not looking at the stars, trillions of light years away, but at the brightness of stellar bodies within our grasp. Not a light years journey, but a moments. We are surgeons removing the doubt and fear, that plagues learning. We are not the road or path, we are the signals, signs and suggestions, that steer the vehicle. We are words of caution, beacons of hope, forewarning dangers of miscalculations with well-tried assurances, heralds of self-advocacy and self-thought. We are not sculptors, we are not art critics, we are mavens of imagination, we are museum goers, anticipating the next masterpiece, as we approach. We are not machinists, we are not, assemblers, we offer blue prints, tools, strategies and of course- blank paper, because we know with uncertainty that our cleverness is only as good as our readiness. We are the telescope- seeing beyond the aura, beyond the eclipse and noticing the potential for another 'big bang.'
We need to be more than a controller of time. More than a suppressor of certain behaviors. We need an arena for exploration, investigation, and participation. We need to use mud and form every brick. We need to stack some high, some low, leaving room for additions. We need to offer the mortar to our students, let them solidify their foundation, let them add the layers as they master each level. We need to above all else, be listeners, so we can give them the right tool for the job. Educators are givers of patience and guidance and receivers of challenges and obstacles. This is what makes a great educator. The understanding that nothing will be easy, everything comes with a price- too much boredom comes misbehavior, too much chaos causes upheaval. But, just the right amount of give and take brings engagement.
Educators
Are we perfect? Absolutely not. Are we experts? I believe an expert has mastered their craft. I want to believe I am emerging always farther from new obstacles and pushing myself beyond any limitations. Do we have a calling? Most of us do. We want to make a difference- sometimes though we lose sight of this and get in a rut of complacency and stagnancy and we need a jolt of imagination and curiosity to realign our goals. We are a vision, a vision of hope and love and joy. In every educator there is an endless landscape of twinkling stars that light our path. These sparkles are our students and if we pause, for a moment or two every day and listen, really listen, we will remember. Remember that sound of eager reluctance, purposeful distraction, meaningful momentum that we started our first day of teaching with and our students will be thankful that we do.
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