Maybe it is the jet lag and lack of sleep that I have been getting, or my recent talk with the Techlandia crew that really got me thinking about the work that we do as educators and how sometimes it can be overwhelming. I remember sharing Rita Pierson’s Ted Talk saying that “Every Kid Needs a Champion”, and being inspired by her message. One of the quotes that stuck out to me was when she said, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.”
What about adults? Do they get excited to work with people when they don’t feel valued?
I remember someone saying to me that when someone complains about their lack of pay, the pay is not their biggest concern. I thought about how accurate that is for many people. I have many teachers that have confided in me that they are pushing the edge yet they do not feel valued or appreciated for their work. Especially with so many that are sharing what they do, they have told me that others appreciate them, but their own principals never even walk into their classroom.
Doesn’t every adult need a champion as well?
I guess they don’t need a champion, but wouldn’t it make what we do that much better? Does it not make a difference when you know that the people you work with value and promote the great work that you do? This doesn’t have to be a boss (although it always should be), but at least someone you work with.
Two questions:
1. Who is your champion?
2. Who are you a champion for?
I think we would be a lot better off if we could easily answer those two questions.
