My Hypocrisy, Einstein, and a Bunch of Stuff

With the last weekend of summer break before me, I felt compelled to write.

Write what?

I struggled with a single focus on one specific idea or directions. Please forgive the diverge writing.

Or maybe don’t.

Either way, no apologies will be offered.

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What Hypocrisy?

I contemplated freeform. Write what comes to mind. It’s a lot harder than you think. It is. This is an activity that as a teacher I have asked thousands of students to do on a regular basis. Admittedly, it is a potentially mindful and deeply self-reflective activity that I preach, but rarely practice. Until today.

So, here goes…

I can’t believe that it’s here. It seems like everything is falling into place. Should I be worried about this? Is something waiting in the weeds to happen? I’m nervous. I’m excited. Do I have a roadmap? Nope. Honestly? We’re making this thing up as we go along. Building the plan as we fly it. Will the kids come along for the ride? Are they ready for an adventure? I hope so. Either way, we’re doing this. The plane has left the terminal.

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YOU

GOT 

THIS

I wrote those three beautifully empowering words (or one magnificent phrase) on the first page of my new planning notebook today (even before I wrote my name on it, breaking another cardinal rule that I press upon all of my students).

Ah well, we’ll get over it.

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Just Be

There is something about this new teaching gig that is unique and yet familiar and reassuring at the same time. It’s uncomfortable. I feel vulnerable.

I’m going to sit in this discomfort a bit longer.

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An Einsteinian Focus

The past four months (since learning that I would be in this new role), I have reflected greatly on two of Einstein’s thoughts on teaching and learning. They have helped me to set my course twenty-two years ago. Both are simple and yet not. Both keep my light for learning, teaching, and building good people for tomorrow alight. Help to refocus my purpose for education. Keeping why I do what I do front and centre.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the condition in which they can learn.

If my students (co-learners), colleagues (co-learners, too), administrator, parents, and desire an observation or insight into what lies ahead on the journey for my students and me this year, I will simply direct them to the brilliant, inspiring, truthful, and empowering thoughts above.

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JY