This weekend I am having the chance to both celebrate and witness accomplishment--accomplishment far beyond the walls of my fourth grade classroom.
It's imperative that educators have the opportunity to be in the midst of accomplished folk outside of the school house--real world movers and shakers, the people who make a difference in ways other than the grade school, high school or neighborhood context.
To witness this accomplishment through celebration, conversation, and convocation will fuel the day-to-day work you do each day, and remind you that you're preparing your students for a big world of promise and opportunity.
Part of the accomplishment I witnessed yesterday was a speech by Newark's mayor, Cory Booker. Booker used humor, storytelling, and wisdom from the past and present to relay a message that our cynicism serves to hinder our collective ability to do the impossible and make positive change in our country and world. He discussed virtous works, and how those works are less effective without connection and collective effort. He talked about the good days and the bad as he leads Newark toward greater strength with the help and partnership of others. Booker left me with enthusiasm, insight, and encouragement for my work as an educator.
Then throughout the day I conversed with individual after individual about their accomplisments, dreams, and next steps with regard to their education, careers, and personal pursuits. All stories served to motivate my own work with young children each day.
Hence, take some time during this long weekend to think about the long road ahead of students, and how we can focus our efforts and energy to empower these children away from cynicism towards personal and societal success and positive change. As educators we are the ones that help to lay a foundation of dreams and possibility for our schools, communities, and most importantly the children we serve. Witnessing and celebrating accomplishment is one way to energize and direct our efforts in this regard.
