Don't Forget to Look Back And Take in the View Along the Way #SOL20

“First two miles absolutely s____!”

“Brutal, boring start to the hike.”

“Great hike except for the start.”

“The beginning is awful, ugly, and relentless.”

We question our plan for the next day’s hike as we read these reviews.  Should we find an alternative route? Is it worth making the summit of both mountains if we have to start the hike this way? Maybe we should change course?  In the end, the weather forecast confirms our decision.  Clear skies and peak foliage convince us that a bad beginning will be worth a spectacular middle and end. 

We set out early in the morning.  We begin to trudge our way forward:

but then we stop and turn around:

Clearly, these reviewers never stopped to look back and notice what was behind them.  They missed an entirely different perspective. 

I have been thinking about this moment as I reflect on these past seven weeks of teaching.  It has been my privilege to co-teach and coach in classrooms across the country in various different models.  While the climb has been steep and the obstacles never-ending, as I stop and think back over these weeks, I realize the rewards have been amazing. 

As I look back at the teachers and the students I am collaborating with,

I see

            creativity

            and teacher brilliance

            kindness

            and friendships forming

            patience

            and problem-solving

            familiar faces

            showing up to learn

I hear

            laughter

            and silly banter

            compassion

            and words of encouragement

            modeling

            and student discourse

            Students stories

            and books read aloud

I feel

Moments

Of almost normal

Somewhat familiar

Even comforting

 At times it feels like there is no progress being made and there is certainly no clear end in sight, but if you stop every so often and look back you realize just how far you have progressed. Thanks to all of you that are showing up for kids day after day.  Thank you for your endless spirit, your courage, your creativity, and your love for children.  I am in awe of you and have the greatest respect for all you do and are doing.

You’ve got this … and then some.

Thank you, Stacey, Beth, Betsy, Kathleen, Melanie, Lanny, Kelsey, Marina, Amy, and Therapi for hosting this weekly forum and the March Challenge. Check out the writers, readers, and teachers here.