One of the blessings of my life (there are many) is that I am invited into school communities and get to consistently see incredible school cultures.
Each time I am present in those spaces, I could blog endlessly about what I see and the impact it can have on school communities. I try my best to share as often as possible, as the feeling of belonging continuously inspires me, as does the staff’s focus on deep learning and personal growth to ultimately serve students. I have captured much of it over the years on this blog.
It could be students taking a large role in setting the tone for the year by welcoming everyone, performing a live performance, or singing the National Anthem.
Or watching staff, no matter their role, genuinely excited for their own learning.
Families and school boards being involved in the day, and having a significant voice in the type of school community being built together.
But, with “Forward, Together” fresh on my mind, my favorite part is watching adults cheer on and support one another. In a genuine way, where they are truly happy for the success of one another.
You might be thinking, “Isn’t that just how it is in schools?”
But if you haven’t worked in schools, you know this is not always the case.
Someone has been jealous of your success.
And if we are being honest, you have been jealous of someone else.
I have been in both places.
It sucks when you feel that the people who you work closest with you aren’t really happy for your success, or even worse, are quietly cheering on your downfall.
This is not always the case, but it happens far too often.
And I often get to see people win recognition, and as a visitor to these districts, I usually pay more attention to the adults watching than to the person receiving the award.
Genuine cheering is something I noticed over and over again. More so this year than others. Maybe it is happening more, or maybe I am just more aware.
Recently, I was asked to keynote the convocation for Newtown Public Schools in Newtown, CT, and it was the best example of everything we hope for in a school community.
Students outside playing music to welcome educators.
Staff being welcomed by so many different people.
And my favorite part was watching them cheer each other on.
Teachers and support staff were recognized, and all received rousing standing ovations.
The winner of “Teacher of the Year” was a teacher named Alexa, and I watched her colleagues right up front, cheering her on and rising with enthusiasm, giving massive fist pumps when she received her recognition. I also watched Alexa’s mom and grandma record every moment of the recognition like I record my daughter’s dance recital (reminder, we are all somebody’s kid, no matter our age), beaming with pride.
Alexa then went on, and in her speech she shared, “We are stronger when we take care of one another.”
We often talk about doing what is best for kids.
What is best for kids is cheering on and elevating our colleagues.
I am not only talking about receiving kudos from admin but also from your colleagues across the hall.
That was evident on this day, and Alexa’s quote was so true that I wish I had written it in “Forward, Together.” Missing that opportunity, I quoted her directly to end my talk that day.
As an aside, they gave me a standing ovation that day, and as appreciative as I was about this, it was less about me and more about my willingness to turn the spotlight onto the people in front of me. That opportunity to lift others is one thing I never take for granted.
I share the following in “Forward, Together” because this is something I strive to do:
Years ago, someone challenged me on why I wrote that building strong relationships was paramount to building an innovative culture. To me, the connection is obvious.
Who wants to take risks in a community where you either don’t feel supported or worry that doing well will make others feel bad and resentful?
“The Innovator’s Mindset” and “Forward, Together” seem to be about different topics, but really, they are bookends.
The first is sharing a vision for innovation in education and why it matters.
“Forward, Together” is about building a community of adults who support one another to create that space.
When you cheer on the success of your colleagues, they often cheer you back, and you always benefit in some regard.
Alexa reminded everyone in that room that before we take care of the kids, we take care of one another. No wonder she won the well-deserved recognition!
But as she shared, it was not her award alone. It was all the people in that community making her better in some way.
The only way that can be done by others is if we genuinely want each other to succeed.
Jealousy can be a normal feeling, but if you let it take over, it will not only hurt your colleagues, but often your kids.
School communities are shaped not only by how we support each other through adversity but also by how we cheer on each other when we succeed.
We are all meant to shine. Elevating others will never dim your own light.
