As teachers we are expected to be a lot of things to a lot of people. We're expected to do great things, with limited resources. Expected to smile everyday and inspire the masses, even when the masses take us for granted and sometimes worse. It can be a tough job and sometimes we allow the institution to beat us down, but it is in those times that we must rediscover the track back to the world of possibilities. When so much of what we do as teachers is beyond our control, it is important to adopt the concept of "being the board."
Assigning blame is rarely productive in situations where nothing can be changed and there is no consequence due. It is much more productive to find a "we" attitude that works within the board to find solutions that allow everyone an opportunity for success. Vision and passion require more than being adequate. Living life to the fullest demands an investment into the lives of others, born out of an investment in the self.
Practicing enrollment means taking responsibility for not only what you do, but also what is done to you. In many respects it asserts that you will not be a victim of circumstances. Valuable time can be wasted waiting for someone to come to the rescue when the power to change your circumstances lies within the framework you invent for yourself.
Anne,
ReplyDeleteYou demonstrate great insight in your response to this week's reading. It's true that we are expected to be many things to many people, sometimes in the face of harsh judgements. It can be difficult to embrace a vision and reveal a passion when you are repeatedly criticized for circumstances and events beyond your control. Teachers as a whole have been condemned for so long...how do "WE" as a group, transform the current conversation. How do "WE" transcend the popular views and build a Vision that everyone can stand behind and benefit from, to become "US"? As you suggest, Enrollment may be a healthy first step. Thanks for your post.
Anne,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that practicing enrollment is taking responsibility for oneself and what is done to the self. My school district is taking a lot of hard hits right now and many people choose to play the role of the victim instead of being proactive and discovering a solution to the problems. Our state just passed some laws that parents and teachers alike do not agree with. So instead of playing the victims, thousands of people across the state have been signing a petition to recall the laws and certain politicians. I am so proud that there are enough people out there to actually practice enrollment and take responsibility for what is going on. They are waiting for someone to come along and rescue them, they are going to rescue themselves!! Great post, it got me fired up as I remembered more from that chapter! We all can do great things!
“Practicing enrollment means taking responsibility for not only what you do, but also what is done to you. In many respects it asserts that you will not be a victim of circumstances. Valuable time can be wasted waiting for someone to come to the rescue when the power to change your circumstances lies within the framework you invent for yourself.”
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
Isn’t it easier to place blame, or look for our hero rather than to make choices and be responsible for us? But how limited we become, how stifled, how powerless. Invention is the key to freedom for all of us. Things are what they are. We have less control than most people realize. HOW FASCINATING! It can get lonely in the calculating world in which we often reside. Or we can enroll ourselves and others into a new universe.
Victim, “schmicitim”. The universe of possibility is a new adventure on which we can embark, and bring others along. What do you think? Are you going on the ride? ☺