Sigh
That's what I wrote next to this quote in my copy of Teach Like a Pirate. Admittedly it's an odd response, but Burgess made me stop and take a breath with that thought. I've been striving for personal greatness in my classroom since I first had one, and yet I'll willingly admit to embarrassing and sometimes haunting shortcomings. Sometimes the even bigger challenge though is wondering how my striving is perceived by others. If I were a coffee drinker, I can imagine the conversation Burgess and I would have in a cozy Starbucks' corner.
Dave: Tammy, your greatness in the classroom doesn't negatively impact or inhibit anyone else's opportunity to be great.
Me: (momentary silence) Yeah. (Insert sigh.) You're right.
He is right. I can pursue greatness without the fear of negatively impacting others. I can, but sometimes it doesn't work that way. I feel the pressure. I worry about comparisons. I wonder if some feel intimidated. As crazy as it may sound, at times I even sense a responsibility for the greatness of others. These are unnecessary burdens and why the Burgess thought brings me to a sigh.
Instead, may it bring me, and anyone else who understands where Burgess is coming from, peace and perseverance, knowing that if we continue to gracefully aim for the highest of standards our impact will be an inspiring one. Let it go and be great!
P.S. This was a difficult post to write. I don't want to give the wrong impression about how I view myself. I'm far from building myself a pedestal. "Embarrassing and sometimes haunting shortcomings" says it all.
I understand what you're saying--and how you mean it. I think we all need to remember not to compare ourselves to others, stay on our own journey toward greatness, and if inspire someone else along the way then that is just a bonus! ;-)
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, thank you for understanding. I hope for bonuses all around.
DeleteI think it works the other way too. I think colleagues should not be afraid of the success of others either. I hate that it turns into a competitive instead of a collaborative environment.
ReplyDeleteMiss Trayers, yeah that can happen too sometimes. I fortunately haven't experienced too much of that.
DeleteI know this was hard for you for you to write & you will be concerned about how it will be received. But I know your striving for greatness is not about you, but about being your best for the little ones in your charge. Strive on!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, you know my heart, and I'm thankful for that. Thank you for confirming how I feel. It's definitely about the children.
DeleteWow. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful this post was ... and perfectly timed. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteLee, I woke up this morning wondering if I should delete this post out of fear that it would offend someone or give the wrong impression. Then I read your response. So my thoughts are obviously here for a reason and I need to leave them. Thank you.
Delete