Thursday, January 31, 2013

Living a vision or circumstances?

Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano, who is battling leukemia told his team,"You guys are living a vision, not circumstances." This was after his team continued to win in spite of incredible odds.

Our staff has been struggling with circumstances of its own lately. Some blame our dysfunction of our principal's illnesses. Her absences led to multiple leaders several times. Since her return, things haven't improved a great deal. In an effort to open communication channels, the principal has turned to thinking/talking points. We are given a quote and are asked to respond on a post-it note that we hang on her door. It makes for a colorful office door if nothing else! These are compiled for further discussion at staff meetings.

Some of my colleagues view this as "busy" work, but I get where she is going with this strategy. We are talking and thinking about our ever-changing role as teacher and nurturer. Everyone discusses the quote before responding in writing, just in case they might "get it wrong". Her latest quote?

“In the game of life, many of us who cross home plate do so because we were born on third base. Others aren’t even on a team.”                                                              Max Lucado

I am thinking...As a teacher, I tend to focus on the ones left out. I teach children to include others. External forces cause a child to not want to be part of the team. These are all circumstances I cannot change. With the right support and encouragement, all students could join a team and be successful.

I have decided I am starting my own team and will be recruiting others. We will field the strongest team ever. We will create an even better game! I am choosing to live the vision!

What about you?


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