​

​Wow. Just Wow. That was my reaction when I took my daughter's advice and went out to look at the sunset. We have some beautiful sunsets here in Kansas, a few that I have been lucky enough to capture, but this one seemed to outdo itself.  I just couldn't stop taking pictures and looking at this beautiful site from many angles in our yard.  It was one of those moments that almost took my breath away.  I was thankful I made the effort to emerge from my comfy recliner to check out the view. It was a reward for my efforts but provided some lessons too. 

The old saying "get out of your box" is merely a metaphor for encouraging you to step away from what is always comfortable and familiar.  My recliner is one of those places for me. I sit in my chair to drink coffee, watch TV, read, play or talk on my phone, and take an occasional nap. It is "my" chair and everyone who knows me knows that. It is my "go-to" place - a place of comfort and rest, but also a place that unfortunately encourages me to be sedentary, stuck inside, and less productive.  Had it not been for the suggestion that nudged me to move - my view that evening would have been less than memorable and I would have missed witnessing God's masterpiece.  Despite the pleasure we get from comfort and security, those feelings can also hold us back.

Timing is everything.  After my daughter suggested I check out the sunset, I kind of rushed her off the phone because I truly wanted to see what she was talking about.  If we would have kept talking (something we normally would do plenty of!), I would not have seen the peak of this gorgeous sunset.  I think about the times I've said to my kids, or even my grandkids, "Just a minute."  It makes me wonder how many perfect moments I've missed because I made them wait?   

The sunset I witnessed occurred because of the lingering clouds that had produced rain and wind hours earlier. That brief storm gave us downed tree limbs and flipped flower pots that will require some unplanned clean up. But once again I was reminded that we can emerge from any storm with grace and beauty. Persevering through challenges has its rewards, including the new perspectives we gain as we reflect on our journey.  Appreciating the beauty of the sunset allows us to examine how it came to be and understand that without the previously challenging or unpleasant experience, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this breathtaking view. 

It is my pleasure, and often my quest, to enjoy the beauty of this world we live in. Some of the best mountain views I have witnessed and captured required me to get off the road, out of the car, and usually down a winding and often rocky path. If we try to cruise through life on the interstates and major highways - always in the comfort of our cars and near food, fuel, and rest stops, or our favorite chairs, we are missing out on the best views and experiences. Cruise liners don't just sail around the ocean for days on end pointing out places of interest on the horizon. They stop at ports along the way, requiring passengers to disembark and get a closer look. 

My husband and I are getting ready to travel again. We are planning to go to some popular sites along a well-traveled route, but we are also looking for those antique shops and lesser known places to discover. We learned a long time ago we have to get off the highway sometimes to discover the treasures. 

While the rainbow is the promise of hope, the sunset is a beautiful reminder of our journey.  We can and should appreciate each one.  Every sunset is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of our day in preparation for the next leg of our journey. It is our challenge to get off the couch (or out of my comfy chair) and experience the richness that life has to offer. Help others. Make a difference. Work hard. Learn something new.

This is your invitation and reminder that there is a world out there waiting for you to see and actively participate. Your view may not be this spectacular everyday but your perspective might be. What will you DO today that makes the world a better place? Whatever it is, my wish for you is that you have many moments of "Wow. Just Wow." 

School’s out for summer and now it is the season for weddings… at least in our family!  While we have no new weddings to celebrate this year, Friday marked the beginning of a 2 week period where quite a few of our family members have anniversaries.  And next year my son will join this celebrated group with his own wedding during this time frame!

35 years ago in a little town in North Central Kansas, the PE teacher married the carpenter.  She spent her career in education and he had his own construction business before becoming everyone's favorite mailman. Together they have touched many lives, raised a family, created a home, and shared many experiences that filled a lot of photo albums.  Together they have built a very successful life with the hope and faith that there will be many more years to share. 

As you may have guessed, I am talking about my own marriage and approaching anniversary. I look around and am amazed that it has been 35 years. As they say, time flies when you're having fun - or maybe just when you're really busy. Since our son will be getting married around this time next year, I am not only reflecting on our life together, but on the life he will have when he gets married.  So I guess today’s blog is not just a look back, but a way to share some lessons learned. 

Some people are probably surprised that we have lasted so long because on the surface we appear to be quite opposite. I talk quite a bit (no snickering) and he does too - but only if he doesn't know you. (He says we already know what he knows.)  I am a problem solver - a fixer of sorts in the thinking realm - and he is a fixer of things. I create by talking and writing; he works wonders with his hands. I am decisive; he is reflective. I like to think our differences are really our strengths and we complement each other.  We could probably be the poster children for how opposites attract!

We do share a lot of common interests particularly as it relates to the teams we cheer for and the projects we undertake. It is our differences, as well as our common interests, that have made our partnership work for us. It goes without saying - but I will say it anyway - that you rarely spend 35 years with anyone without a deep, abiding love and appreciation for the other person. Along with that foundation of love, the most important things we share are common values, respect for one another, and the desire to make a difference.

If I could share some advice with my son and his fiancé, it would be that these aforementioned beliefs, traits, and behaviors are a part of us every. single. day.  They shape the way we talk to and treat each other, show support, and generally live our lives. 

I believe one of the keys to our success has been rooted in finding ways to enjoy the interests of the other person. For example, I love sports and he appreciates them too, and as a result, has become an avid baseball collector. That interest has led us to antique stores and vacation destinations. At first I didn't really know what to do at antique stores since searching for newer items usually dominates my shopping experience, but I found things I love to collect too, and now I often come out with more treasures than he does!   But just to clarify, he has two entire rooms to support his collection and I have a display case.   We are supportive of each other's interests and aspirations and are not threatened by those things that not our "cup of tea."  The lesson here is that we can learn from others when we are respectful of our differences, which in turn often enriches our own experiences. 

Another strong point within our marriage is the ability to work together to make projects happen around the house or to plan events. Projects are engaging and require the strengths each person brings to the project. Admittedly I am typically more of an idea person than one who can make it happen when it comes to home improvement projects, but fortunately he can make things come to life with his carpentry and landscaping skills. Our home is a testament to his ability and our teamwork. When an event is the focus of our efforts, I take the lead and he is in the supporting role. These things keep us looking forward in ways that refresh our home or allow us to celebrate with others. Basically,  I think we just like to do things together!  Vacations are fun whether we are in the mountains or trolling antique stores.  Trips to Walmart or Home Depot can become a date night if we throw in dinner out.  In school, project based learning is often a favorite activity of students because it is active, engaging, and breathes life into mundane, everyday learning; just as in our case, projects and “doing” enrich our living. 

Finally, and probably most importantly, we have a common foundation of faith and values which guide most everything we do. We are respectful of each other - always. I am continually amazed at the hurtful things people say to those they supposedly love. Expressing your own thoughts is definitely important but does not require that you spew venom at the other. Respect is a two way street and one that should be intentional and automatic. As a result, it impacts so many other parts of the relationship. Along that line we also try to act in ways that are helpful to others.  Schools are finally starting to understand the value of relationships as it relates to a positive learning experience. The quality of our relationships, no matter what kind, is something all of us should be working to strengthen whether it’s at home, work, school or church. (And I might add, politicians take note!)

Today I celebrate our upcoming anniversary and the choices we made that got us this far.  Every day we have the opportunity to choose what to think and how to act.   I would advocate choosing respect and kindness and seeing what you get in return.  So far, I have 35 great years and counting….

Leadership is usually associated with the view from the top.  But too often, leaders fail to see what everyone else sees because they haven't taken the time or felt the need to find another perspective.

Before you say, "I don't want to read this blog because I'm not a leader," keep in mind we all are leaders in some form....maybe not intentionally, but at least by design, because of the roles that we have as a parent, spouse, employee, church or community member. 

Leadership is something I do, something I have had done to me, but most importantly, is something I am interested in improving.  I have a shelf full of books with thoughts on leadership.  I subscribe to Dan Rockwell's leadership blog (food for thought in an efficient 300 words or less!)  And I firmly believe, as my friend Dayna always says, "Leadership Matters!"

There are many ways to examine the effectiveness of leadership styles.  So let's focus on changing an often used pattern that does not produce the kind of results one would like to have.  My question becomes, "What would leadership look like if it was viewed from the bottom up?"

True leadership is about people.  Often our leaders are about management, which involves "things".  How differently would our results be if we focused on the leading of people so that the "things" could get accomplished?

The business model of Why, How, and What developed by Simon Sinek, and shared by Lois Brown Easton in Learning Forward's Tools for Learning Schools from an educational perspective,  shows us how leaders can inspire action and sustain the changes that are being implemented.  A typical top down initiative would find the leader telling you what to do and how to do it, leaving you asking why and feeling like you've been forced to act as you mumble under your breath.  We've all experienced this whether it was our father, a teacher, or our boss and it feels like, "Do as I say!"  And the answer to our often unspoken "why" question, is "Because I said so!" 

But what if the leader had shared the why first, helping stakeholders understand the need for change, before presenting the how, and the what? Consider how that one strategic move could adjust your whole attitude toward the change?  

Why clarifies.  Why sets the stage.  Why allows opportunities for stakeholders to ask their own questions and can lead to a belief that the change is necessary so they are more receptive to how it will occur and what they will have to do.  So in effect we have reversed the typical outside - in pattern.... looking now from the inside - out, considering the thoughts and feelings of the people you lead in order to get things done!  

The people are the heart of any group or organization.  Keeping their perspective in mind helps you to lead inside - out and from the bottom up!  Not only does leadership matter, how you lead matters the most!

I find myself sitting in front of my computer in this new year feeling the burn as I learn something new.  I'd like to think (as the chart suggests) that I've spent my career learning many new things and that has been to my benefit.  But learning is a choice and something we can easily set aside when it becomes hard or tedious.  The brain, just like the rest of my aging body, falls under the same guideline:  If you don't use it, you'll lose it!

I am getting ready to teach an on-line course on Curriculum Development and Design.  I've taught the class before in face-to-face style (which I prefer), but now I'm going to teach it to a faceless group of students.  I like technology and the amazing things we can do as a result, but I also like the personal connections that one gets from talking to people face-to-face.  I took some on-line classes when working on my Master's degree several years ago, but I had the added benefit of taking the same courses with a friend and colleague with whom I could bounce ideas and make sense out of the learning.  So my challenge is not only to learn how to operate this on-line system, but to help make the impersonal more personal so my students find a connection with me; with each other; with the content; and with their own teaching practice.  I am a story teller and fortunately, I am a writer too.  Hopefully I can blend those two skills into something meaningful.

The irony in this whole situation is that I am having to learn the whole on-line teaching system in my least favorite learning mode... through a pre-recorded webinar.  I am so easily distracted... and that seems to be getting worse with age... and want to "do" while I listen so I can make a connection between what I am learning and what I will need to do.  And because it's pre-recorded, I can't ask questions and have them answered in a timely manner.

Lest you think I'm whining, I'm not.  Because when it is all said and done, I will learn this (I already feel a lot better than I did 2 days ago!), and I will be better for it.  I hope I never get to a point where I think I'm too old to learn something new.  I believe that keeps me informed, interesting (or at least potentially interesting), and in touch.  It may take me longer or require more practice, but it will be worth it in the end. I don't want to be that person who just sits around (although I know how to do that very well!).  Who would want to be friends with me then?  How boring could I become?  How effective would I be as a consultant for schools if I just relied on what I already know instead of learning new things to share with them?

So while I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, I am big on identifying things that I need to do or improve on all through the year.  Staying current with what's happening in education is important to me.  Being able to effectively use technology is important to me as well.  It opens a whole new world... I marvel at what my grandsons can do with their mom's iPad or my iPhone.  They will never know a day when the world will not be at their finger tips.  But you have to access it... you don't get it intravenously!    I may be somewhat retired... but I am always working on upgrading myself!  Happy New Learning!

I have been blessed to have grown up in a family of educators, to have been influenced by some amazing teachers and coaches as a student and as a colleague, and to have chosen education as my career.  It is the season to think of the blessings we have been given and those that have accompanied us along our lifelong path.  Where would I be today without the guidance and influence of the great educators that taught me, mentored me, and inspired me?  Teaching is not just what I do; it's who I am.  I am a life long learner because the teachers in my life made learning fun for me, and helped me see the importance of knowledge and understanding.  More importantly, they gave the greatest gift of believing in me and helping me to see that I was capable of many things if I only put my mind to it.  The connection between teacher and student or coach and player, is a powerful one that transcends the content.

I am still thinking about the heroic teachers who protected and loved their children through that horrific tragedy last week in Connecticut.  I am thinking of my nephew who is leaving his paraprofessional position to complete his degree, and how much he impacted the students he is leaving behind, and truly how much they impacted him.  I am thinking back on the many little gifts I received from students wanting to wish me a Merry Christmas, and while those were special, and many still hang on my tree each year, the light in their eyes and the warmth of their smile as they wished me a Merry Christmas was the greatest gift of all.  

I am thinking of my college friend, who taught and coached in Texas, and died unexpectedly last year, and the outpouring of love and admiration that was expressed by the many students she taught as they dealt with the loss of their beloved teacher and coach. 

I am thinking of my dearest friends who are still teaching in the classroom everyday, trying to make a difference in the lives of children who may not truly understand all that they are learning is not in the textbooks or the lessons planned for them.  As teachers, we often wonder if what we are doing really matters.  But all it takes is one thank you, one hug, one look at the light in the eyes of a child or a grateful parent, and you know with all your heart that you are doing what you were meant to do.

I also feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue to teach when my grandsons crawl up in my lap to read a book, or to be able to help them with homework, or to show them something they've never seen before.

So thank you to the many teachers who have gone before me... whom I probably didn't tell often enough (or at all) how much they meant to me.  And thank you to the schools who hired me, the students and colleagues who made me want to come to school each day and see what could be accomplished, and to the schools who allow me to come in now to help improve the teaching and learning in their building.  God blessed me when he put that idea in my head a very long time ago that I wanted to grow up and be a teacher.  What a wonderful journey it has been!

Today No Child Left Behind took on a new meaning.  26 people (at last report), the vast majority children, went to school thinking about the letter they recently wrote to Santa, the end of the semester rapidly approaching, that fact that Christmas was 10 days away, or perhaps just excited that it was Friday.  Teachers were shaping lives.  Children were soaking up new learning.  And just like that, the  actions of a lone individual, tormented by whatever thoughts that caused him to make that fatal decision, ended the hopes and dreams of those children and educators.  No one was left behind today; not the victims; not the survivors; not those of us who watch from afar.  We have all been pulled in, touched in some way by this tragedy, even if we didn't know a single person involved.  

Tragedies such this make us realize just how quickly life can be taken for us.  It brings us face to face with our own mortality and the reality that every breath we take could be our last.  We question why innocent children had to suffer.  We wonder why anyone could do such a thing.  We question our beliefs while holding on to our faith.  We mourn the senseless loss.  We imagine what those children could have achieved.  We lament the end of the careers of caring educators who were making a difference. On this December morning, their "dash" ended abruptly; but in the days and weeks to come, we will discover what legacies they left behind.

Linda Ellis wrote a poem in 1996, entitled "The Dash."  It spoke of how the sum of our lives are packed into the dash between the date of our birth and and the date of our death.  What is the worth of our dash?  Did we make a positive difference in the lives of others?  Did we love freely, giving more than we sought in return?  Did we tell others how important they are to us?  The challenge of the message in this poem is for each of us to consider what we are doing with our lives.  What do we need to change?  How can we make a difference?  We can't bring back the earthly lives of the victims of today's senseless tragedy, but we can learn from the lives they lived, and make our own "dash" more meaningful while we celebrate the "dash" of these victims.  

I normally use this space to write about issues or ideas facing educators, students or parents.  Today's issue may be the most important one I've written about.  It is one of the heart, and one we must learn if we are to find something positive to take away from this horrific tragedy.  Everyday, each of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life.  Everyday we have the choice, to be happy...or not.  And because we never know when that last moment will be, it is our charge to make our dash the best it can be; to spend time with and hug those we love; to lend a helping hand.  Say a prayer tonight for those who lost their lives today and for those who live on.  Please use this heartbreaking reminder to make your dash a little more meaningful; to make someone's life more bearable; and to love and laugh a little more often.    

There's an old saying, "Don't get the cart before the horse."  Why would we ever do that?  But we do it more often than we'd like to admit.  We start taking action before we have all the facts; or we fail to lay the ground work of vision and clarity of purpose before we start; we get in a hurry or we don't really understand the value of the foundation.  And when those things happen, whatever it is we wanted to accomplish often flounders and fails to grow and develop as we had hoped.   We need to know the why and the how before the what can be put into place.  And then we need to look ahead and say "Now what?  So what?"  Getting that horse hooked up to the cart before we start is just the beginning of the journey, but it is an important first step.

Learning Forward (formerly known as the National Staff Development Council or NSDC) has developed  Standards for Professional Learning  for schools to use to help educators become better teachers, which will in turn improve student achievement.  If we put into practice these 7 Standards (which have been adopted by the Kansas State Board of Education to be used in all Kansas schools), then Common Core, or whatever else we want to put in place, will have a much better chance of succeeding.

What are these Standards of Professional Learning?  They are much like K-State Football Coach Bill Snyder's 16 Goals for Success that I talked about in a previous blog.  They give everyone common language and opportunity to understand the "how and the why" so that the "what" can be put into place.

These professional learning standards  address the following concepts and ideals: 

1. Learning Communities (no more teaching or learning in isolation); 
   
2. Leadership (that builds capacity and advocates and supports professional learning); 
   
3. Resources (prioritizing and coordinating services); 
   
4. Data (to drive teaching and learning);
   
5. Learning Designs (research based strategies); 
   
6. Implementation (transferring what teachers know to the students); and 
   
7. Outcomes (goals and standards to strive for).  
   

If we stick to the plan, and believe in the direction that it takes us, then these standards can help us with our vision, our designs, our instruction and our results.  If we fail to effectively utilize even one of these 7 standards, then we will fall short.  These standards are important individually, but are most effective if viewed as part of a specific process whereby we look at, discuss, review, and revise all aspects of the education we provide for our teachers and students.  

It is important that all stakeholders understand what each standard entails and the importance of the 7 standards collectively.  School Boards and administrators make decisions everyday that impact the kind and quality of professional learning in schools when creating the school calendar, allocating funds, negotiating with teachers, and by communicating to the public what is going on in their school in terms of teaching and learning.  Teachers need to understand the importance of professional learning and move away from the idea of "in-service" where they typically find themselves disinterested and/or disconnected because they somehow fail to understand the importance of the connection between growing in knowledge and skills,  reflecting on one's own practice, and student learning.  

As educators, we are life long learners, or at least we should be.  The old idea of "in-service" or "professional development" implies that the topics discussed on those days were done "to us" or "for us" rather than "with us."  Professional Learning involves much more than sit and get or one and done.  It involves taking new or different information, ideas, or strategies and determine ways to effectively use the new knowledge or skills in a way that makes us better teachers and helps us produce higher achieving students.  It requires collaboration and support.  By transferring what we learn to the classroom,  the 7 Standards of Professional Learning help us make that connection between knowing and doing by providing a framework and process to ensure regular reflection and revision.

We need to know that what we are learning, why we are learning it, and if our  implementation of that learning in the classroom is making a difference.  We need to help each other by supporting our efforts to improve instruction and student learning.  Regular examination of practice and results will lead us to revisions that fine tune the process and ultimately improve the outcome.  Let's get that horse hooked up and see where it takes us!

November.  The month of Thanksgiving... which should be more to us than a few days off from work or school.  After reading a Facebook post from a former student today where she posted the first of 30 days of what she is thankful for, it made me think about what I am thankful for personally, and all that we in education should be thankful for too.  As much as we recognize the many challenges that face us in education with too little time, tight budgets, federal, state and local mandates, difficult students, testy administrators, and uncooperative colleagues, we have so much for which we can and should be thankful.

There are 30 days in the month of November.  So I challenge you to think of 30 ways you are thankful about your chosen profession.  Here are 10 that I came up with, in no particular order of importance, to get us started.  I'm know there are many, many more.  You may agree, or not... but each is worth considering...

1.  The people.  I think one of the major reasons I teach is the people.... the colleagues, the students, the classified staff, parents, and all those with whom you have a meaningful relationship.  I have cherished friendships with fellow teachers and co-workers; and former students, who now as adults, still call me "coach" or "Mrs. Bechard" out of respect; and parents who still stay in touch and make me feel like I made a difference in their children's lives.  There are also those who touched my life through their influence, support, and encouragement.  I think of Gene Dillard, my favorite teacher who challenged and pushed me as a student, and then mentored me as my principal.  I think of Lew Faust who gave me a reason to stay in education when I was disillusioned, and Bob Behrens who allowed me the opportunities to grow in leadership roles.  And I would be remiss without mentioning my many teacher friends and consultant colleagues with whom I am intertwined and totally dependent on their love, support. knowledge, and feedback.

2.  Professional learning.  The opportunity to keep growing and learning and to stay current on things that matter, and then be able to share that new learning with others.  Just as with your physical abilities, your mental abilities follow this mantra too:  "If you don't use it, you lose it!"

3.  School Lunch.  It was not always the greatest, but man, there were some amazing choices on the menu that I looked forward to each month!  They were probably not the healthy choices I should have been making, but they sure were good - and best of all, you got to eat them with your friends whether you were the students in the cafeteria, or the teachers in the faculty room. 

4.  Binder clips.  You laugh, but these are the greatest little tools for holding what matters together with a tight grip!

5. Colored file folders and paper.  In a sea of white paper, everything is the same and often unrecognizable.  But color gives it identity and a way to find what was lost whether it is on my messy desk, or when giving it to students or sending it home for parents.  Color gets noticed!  People are like that too!  When we add color to what we do, we too get noticed!  It's easy to be safe but it may not get you where you want to go as quickly!

6.  Technology.  This is the greatest change that has occurred in my lifetime.  In education (and in all walks of life) we can look up more; write more; organize more easily; edit without having to start over; and do everything so much faster!  We no longer have to learn to thread projectors or use reference books that are outdated the moment they go to print.  The technology makes learning and teaching more interesting and even more fun!  I have become dependent on technology, and I have only scratched the surface of what's out there!  I will acknowledge it can also be irritating when it doesn't work, but it's a lifesaver when it does work!

7.  School facilities.  No matter how many things you can see that need to be fixed in your building, be thankful you have one!  Make it as nice and inviting as you can!  Be thankful it's not a bombed out shell, or abandoned because everyone moved away. It is the place we bring learning to life!  Make it special!

8.  Activities/Athletics.  Yes these are important parts of schools.  They are the motivation for some, the extension for others, and the way we become well rounded.  We learn team work, problem solving, perseverance, goal setting and achievement in these settings.  We learn how to be there for others and to work hard to achieve our goals.  We learn application of learning and how to perform under pressure.  We understand the strength of unity and the weakness of a single link.  These are lifetime experiences that we take with us forever.

9.  Getting out of your building.  It's a pain to do lesson plans or clean up the messes left by your absence, but it is sooooo important to see what else is out there!  Getting out of your building gives you opportunities to learn something new, connect with other educators, see how others do the same thing you are attempting to do, or evaluate your own effectiveness.  It is a time of renewal of spirit and skill.  It is also a time to give back, to help others, and to share experiences.  We are not an island unto ourselves.  The more we reach out, the more we get in return.  Get out of your classroom; get out of your building; get out of your district; and once in awhile, get out of your state.  There is a lot to see and learn out there!

10.  Educational Freedom.  We have choices.  As teachers we can choose from many resources and teaching strategies to teach the curriculum.  Even our curriculum, such as the Common Core Standards, give us latitude on how to teach while giving us guidance on the depth of what we teach.   Thankfully, our government does not decide for us what our educational path will be based on how we are functioning at age 14 (or sooner).  There are many pressures to succeed and requirements we must meet, but students have choices on course work and careers, teachers have choices on what and how to teach, and schools have choices on what to offer.  We are free to complain, to protest, to disagree.  We are also free to do something about it.  Education is not just about learning stuff, it's learning what to do and when to do it with all the stuff we learn.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  You probably can think of many, many things to be thankful for as an educator or as a non-educator who has benefited from school!  So everyday this month, think about something you are thankful for. What would you do if that thing, person, or opportunity wasn't there?  And when you realize that, you have been thankful!

"Won't Back Down" is a movie based on actual events where a fed up parent and a burned out teacher team up to save a very broken inner city elementary school.  It is inspirational (whether you're an educator or not) and a great reminder of the power of commitment and perseverance. 

I haven't been able to find the actual events that the movie claims it is based on, but I'm sure most of us could cite many examples in our own lives where we ourselves have stood up to the obstacles that littered our path, and the challenges that seemed insurmountable to do what needed to be done.  This movie does show how easy it could be to give up when everyone around you says it can't be done or the bureaucratic red tape makes change as likely as the return of the dinosaurs.  But it also shows how one person can indeed make a difference if they persevere.  "Won't Back Down" is an action movie.  Not the kind of action where cars are crashed and violence erupts, but the kind of action where one person believes and gets a small group of people to band together to work to achieve a common goal... in this case turn around a long-time, failing school...to take hopeless and turn it in to hopeful.

It has been my experience that there are a lot of people out there that I have worked with, gone to church with, watched parent, and observed in the news that have a lot to say - or even complain about - but have a real hard time putting actions to their words.  There's the blame game or the idea that someone else needs to do it.   It's easy to talk about something that needs to be done or needs to be fixed, but it's a whole other ball game to do something constructive to make it happen...in other words, you have to "Walk the Talk."  That mantra puts actions behind the words and takes you from "wanna be" to "git 'er done."

"Be the change you want to see in the world."  Ghandi's famous line moves us to act, first as an individual, if we want to see things accomplished.  Sure there are even greater things that can be accomplished if we get others to join us, but it starts with the person who is willing to take the first step. It's so easy to say "I can't" or to dismiss the ideas of others - "we've done that before" - or to give up when rejected.  We also find ways not to move forward when we think everything has to be perfect before we can start.  We certainly need to do our homework and have a plan, but we can't let the planning get in the way of action.  

When I think about that movie, I also think about being passionate enough about an idea or goal that nothing can deter you from succeeding!  When was the last time you felt that strongly about something or someone?  What would you fight for?  Who would you fight for?  How many times would you get up after being knocked down?  

I walked out of that theater ready to take on the world.  While I don't think any school I'm associated with needs to be taken over, I do think every school I'm associated with has changes that need to be made to make them better.  We can teach better.  We can lead better.  We can communicate better.  We can serve better.  We often talk a good line, but don't follow through.  We have budget cuts that severely limit our ability to provide the best possible learning experience, and legislators and governors who don't truly understand the business of education, and administrators who seem to have forgotten what it is like to teach, but no one can take away our ability to care for each and every student and to give our best effort from the first bell to the last bell everyday.  Sure it's easier when you work for someone who provides you with great support, resources, and keeps morale high.  It's also easier when all the kids are eager to learn and do everything you tell them to do.  But there's no one to blame to not be your best and do your best.  We have to be what we expect our kids to be.  If things aren't going the way we want them, then it is up to each one of us to be the change we want to see... and let it be known with our words AND our actions, that we will walk the talk and we "Won't Back Down!"

So the next time you say to yourself, "someone ought to do something about that," maybe you should consider that someone might ought to be you.

Who is that looking back at you in the mirror?  Or have you even bothered to look? Why is it that we educators often think of reflection as an enemy instead of a friend?

Self reflection is one of the keys to improvement.  Cooks use it; coaches use it; inventors and scientists use it.  This blogger uses it!  We want students to use reflection to improve their learning, so it's important that teachers use it too.  It can easily begin by asking questions that spark our thinking:  What did I learn?  How would I do that differently next time?  What was the best part?  What part was the most difficult?  Why did that happen?  How could I have prevented that from happening?  Or ask yourself, as Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working for you?"

Reflection increases our awareness of our actions and should be a part of our regular routine.  It can be a time to step back and see what we have started, or view what we have set in motion.  It provides us an opportunity to monitor progress, assess the plan we have chosen to use, or evaluate the impact of our actions.  

Reflection gives us the opportunity to view our work with fresh eyes.  Choosing to be self-reflective (or not) can be the difference between good and great.  Those "tweaks" that we apply to our plan, or the edits we make to our proposals, as a result of our reflection, might be the difference in whether we succeed or stumble.

Reflection is more than just what's on the surface.  It requires you to look deeply and examine details, word choice, process, impact, and results.  Reflection requires a closer look along the way, not just at the finish line, so that adjustments can be made which helps us achieve what we set out to accomplish.  

So the next time you look into the mirror, instead of asking the question from Snow White, "Who's the fairest of them all?" choose the Dr. Phil question, "How's that working for you?" and see if it doesn't get you better results!