When I recently was visiting a school, I noticed their “motto” on the wall that talked about “developing today the leaders of tomorrow”, or something similar. This was not unique to this school, and I could tell you from connecting with that staff, that these are some amazing educators that have created an amazing culture of learning and leadership.
The one challenge that I gave to them was by the asking the question, “Why are they not ‘leaders’ today? Why are we waiting for tomorrow?”
I understand the idea behind it and the age-old notion that as educators we are developing the “next generation”, but I also believe that if we want students to make a difference, why wait for it to happen later? Why can’t they go out and make an impact in our schools and community, both locally and globally? They have the world at their fingertips and playing “Candy Crush” on Facebook now doesn’t necessarily mean that one day they are going to be leaders because it’s “their turn”. We need to empower their voice.
We are defined by our actions today, not our potential for tomorrow.
Kids needs time to grow up and be “kids”, but that doesn’t mean they cannot make a difference in our world. I am hoping that stories like the one of Martha Payne become the norm and these kids aren’t simply outliers.
Words matter.
Our expectations matter.
If a kid makes a difference today, aren’t they more likely to do it tomorrow as well?
There is no need to wait.
