Take a Chance
Originally Published August 2016
In February 2016, a group of teachers who were dedicated to developing creativity in themselves and their students met after school in the Scioto High School library to embark on a professional dialogue. Out of that conversation came the idea that we, as adults (I like to say ‘lead learners’), must develop our own growth mindset before we can champion one for our students. Further, a growth mindset is characterized by trying new things, being willing to fail, and persevering through set-backs and disappointments. What was born that day in February was a challenge to Dublin City Schools to be willing to Take a Chance!
Since February, we have been encouraging one another to put aside fears or comfort to try new ways of teaching and engaging our students. We do this not because we are failing, but because we know that we can always improve. We can always do better. We are educating students for an ever-changing world. Change is foundational to a growth-mindset. When you grow, you change. And growth is what we want for our students and ourselves.
This year, we will continue to focus on trying new things. One way that I will support this work is through weekly emails that I started back in February. I try to send videos or examples of “taking a chance” in action to remind, and maybe, inspire staff. Below is the email that I sent to staff on August 10. I am sharing it with you, our parents and community, to invite you to participate with us. Share your challenges and new learning with our students. Try something new yourself, as a family, as a neighborhood. You can only fail if you don’t try!
Email to staff August 10, 2016
If you are like me, you are tired from staying up late watching the amazing athletes at the Olympics. But it is worth it. To watch the strength, grace, and dedication of the athletes is inspirational. It also reminds me that we can be amazing too. We may not swim the 200 meter butterfly or spike a volleyball into the sand, but we do change lives. We make a difference when we are willing to push ourselves to find ways to engage and inspire our students to learn and grow.
As I reflect upon our efforts to embrace a growth mindset, I think about those athletes and the failures that they have had to experience to get to where they are. Nobody reaches excellence by safely staying where they do everything right the first time. The willingness to fail, to fall, and the drive to get back up is what makes greatness.
I found a video from the 1992 Barcelona games. The story of Derek Redmond is inspirational not because he won the race, but because he was in the race and he never quit. It also illustrates the importance of support. We all need people in our corner cheering us on, traveling with us, and telling us we can do it. (Check it out by searching for Derek Redmond Video.)
As you consider how to engage and inspire our students this year, don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to try. You will get back up, and we will be with you. If you attended the Leadership Academy session on Risk and Reward, you know that we asked you to make a commitment to try something new AND invite a colleague to join you. I want to ask that of all of us who are part of Dublin City Schools. Think about what new learning you will go after and what new process, strategy, approach, or idea you will try and invite people to partner with you.
I am going to take a risk and step back into the classroom this year. I have been an administrator for 15 years, and while I have done my share of presenting and teaching adults, it has been a while since I taught English. So this year, I am going to be teaching with Steve Kucinski at Coffman (he is taking a risk too). We are collaborating to teach one class of English 9 together. I can't be there everyday, but the plan is for me to be part of the class about once a month. This summer I have been reading and learning some new technology applications so that I am ready. I am excited to spend time with some of our students this year, and I am thankful to have a partner to help me.
So what will you do? Remember, "When you don't give up, you cannot fail!"
