What's Your Secret Sauce?

As educators we have a choice to enrich each other as we create momentum in educational reform. We can sit silently pitting ourselves against each other as we work our way through the days and months that add up to another year, or we can actively build cohesion toward a shared vision. It's all in how you look at it. What is the catalyst to create an environment that nourishes the growth of the individual and the entire organization? Is it in you? What's your "secret sauce"?

We plan tirelessly for what we believe the future of education looks like. Do we see and feel the benefits of the mantra "United we stand, divided we fall"?  This mindset will insure momentum in reaching the goals that we are all striving to meet. It will build community amongst colleagues and districts; but I dare ask how many of us are actually practicing our craft with this in mind? Depending on the culture and players of each particular school, this point of view will thrive; or hope will die a painfully slow and meaningless death. How do we cultivate hope as we wade through the tides of change? Did we see the storm coming? When national test score sit at record low, we need to take a long, hard, look in the mirror and ask ourselves individually and collectively: What can I do to make a difference to one student, today? None of us began our journeys as teachers looking for the easy answers. In fact, we spend the better part of our days coaching others to look deeper and stretch higher. It seems apparent that we need to ask the same of ourselves, and support those same strengths within our support colleagues.

When all participants are involved collective responsibility is reflected in roles and actions. Deciding who will do what is where the confusion often rears it not-so-pretty head. Knowing our individual strengths is only the beginning. Timing IS everything. Knowing how to position ourselves on the playing field is a developed skill that some never seem to grow. Therein lies the bug in th proverbial ointment. For example, if two teachers are equally qualified for the same, or similar, role who will be assigned the responsibilities of that chosen role? The one who jumps in at the right time is who will make it happen.

Taking proactive measures, investing time and energy, without being asked to, is where the job (usually) lands. It is by looking at the organizational whole, and searching ourselves for answers to the age old question: "How can I best serve this 'family' using my skills, experience, and passion to their fullest potential?" This is the secret sauce. You are the catalyst.

I am looking forward to your thoughts about this. What's your secret sauce?


~Diana