This morning, I was fortunate enough to be able to help deliver a keynote for our district-wide technology conference. It feels incredible to work for a district that believes in their people as much as my district does. I love getting the chance to connect with educators, everywhere. I always feel that I learn so much that I can take back to our school. But, today felt even more special than usual because I was at home.
In the crowd, I then saw four teachers from my school who came to this conference, a conference that was completely voluntary, that they came to on their own time this summer to support us and learn, as so many teachers do! I must say that I feel completely blessed to work with individuals that not only care about me as a professional, but they care about me as a person, just as I care about them.
During lunch at the conference, their kindness did not end there. We began asking one another how everything is going and how each other’s families are doing. Then, they began to ask me about my upcoming book and wanted to know all about it and said they could not wait to read it themselves!
As I look back on today, I know that it was one of those days that I will remember forever. It was such a positive collection of emotions and each time I think about it, I tear up.
It is not because the fact I was able to keynote, it was the idea that people believe in me enough to do it.
These emotions reminded me of the quote that the website ReallyGoodStuff once posted online, they said, “Remind your students that you believe in them every single day. Your faith in them matters.” I wholeheartedly believe in this idea and also believe that the same philosophy is true for adults.
Every single adult, no matter what their role is, needs someone to believe in them. If we believe in our colleagues, support them and love them, that can only positively benefit students as well. As I say in my upcoming book: Happy and supported staff equal happy and supported students. Share on X
Although I never expect anything in return from those around me, it sure feels great to be supported, loved, and lifted up. It is an unexplainable feeling when it happens. I will hold the moments of today deep in my heart for years to come.
Here are a few questions to leave you with:
- How are we helping others grow beside us?
- How do we show others that we believe in them? In addition, how often do we engage in this practice?
- Think of the last time someone believed in YOU. How did that make you feel? How can you replicate that feeling for someone else?
