What was it that led you to become an educator? Was it because you wanted to create better learning experiences for others that maybe you didn’t have yourself? Or perhaps it was a teacher you had who inspired you years ago.
Being an educator in the era of COVID-19 is more challenging than ever, with schools having to decide if they will remain open for in-person learning or close and have teachers and students move to virtual learning. Either way, there are additional regulations and adjustments that must be made in order for everyone to stay safe while continuing to teach and learn.
While traveling to different schools or doing virtual trainings with educators, I find myself speaking to teachers and leaders who are burned out and questioning whether being an educator was the right choice.
This is when I remind them to reflect on their “why.” Your purpose should only become more clear in these moments of struggles because it is because of these struggles that propel us to move further into our “why.” Our “why” is the fuel that drives us in the moments of great challenges. Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in life are the day you are born, and the day you discover the reason why.”
Your why may evolve but ultimately it will remain unchanged. The how can and will change. Modifying your how is not meant to discourage you, but to make you better and give you more opportunities to discover hidden gifts and talents.
The stories you are told, the sights you see, and the things you read make up different ideas and beliefs in your mind, and each of these beliefs is like a building block. One is placed over the other, and another over that one, to form who we are. This is why it’s so important to not develop limiting beliefs, and to seek out and find any and all new opportunities today.
On January 29-30 2021, I’m hosting a virtual conference to Refuel the Educator’s Soul, and Reignite Your Why. Together we will reflect, recharge, and renew so we can take on the new year with our “why” at the center of all we do. I’m inviting all superintendents, educators, and teachers to join as we write the first pages of Chapter 2021!
Sign your team up today at https://educatorretreat.eventbrite.com
Sending positive energy your way for an amazing week!
Niki Spears
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