It Isn't About Being Perfect

The 2001-12 school year is here. The first day of school is upon us!

Each of the students who will come through the doors of the Spring Lake Park Schools on the morning of September 6 will bring a unique story, a unique dream. Many of these students simply need a guide on their side as they navigate their way through school. Many others need support seemingly each step of the way - their unique dream a bit tarnished, causing them to not even realize all they can become. 

We, educators and community members, collectively need to be the hope for each and every one of our students. We provide the expectations, a model of excellence, and a vision of their future they may not see in themselves. Providing this support does not require perfection. However, it does require innovation, courage, humility, and the ability to continually learn and grow in the work that we do.

Michael McKinney has captured the essence of our work in education so well. In his following piece, I have substituted "leader" with teacher and "lead" with teach. As you read this brief piece you may substitute "teacher" or "teach" with whatever role you hold -- parent, manager, principal -- and I believe you will find it personally relevant.

It Isn't About Being Perfect
by Michael McKinney

We need to get over the notion that a teacher is a perfect person with a set of qualities that are balanced and in perfect alignment. If that were the case we might as well forget about being a teacher. We’re just not up to it. And yet life goes on and people do teach — in spite of themselves. And their humanity gives us all hope that we too can teach, influence, have an impact, and create meaning.

A good teacher is a person that knows their weaknesses, makes (sometimes really stupid) mistakes, admits them, makes an effort to do better, and moves on. In spite of their own inadequacies they jump back in every day and work for a cause bigger than themselves. The challenge is not in avoiding mistakes; it is in knowing how to deal with them when they are made.

A good teacher knows they can’t do it on their own. They have limitations. They need the support and effort of those around them. In fact, they team [with others] specifically because they are lacking in one area or another. A teacher doesn’t let their weaknesses hold them back.

A good teacher understands that development is a life-long process of continual learning; continual improvement. Being a teacher isn’t a place you arrive at. It’s is something you grow into and grow with if you are going to be effective. Teaching without growth is not sustainable. If you are in it for the long-term, you have to be teachable, not perfect.

Perfection doesn’t qualify you as a teacher, but knowing what to do about your inadequacies, foibles, quirks, weaknesses, and blunders makes it possible. 

Wishing you all a great school year!!
Jeff

Link to McKinney blog: http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/followership/