Depending on where you are in North America, educators are either preparing for students to return to in school learning or preparing to offer online education in the coming days. Regardless of the decision made by governments, a high degree of stress is present. This newest variant, which is by far the most transmissible, is putting significant strain on not only our health systems but our education system too!
From an education perspective, teachers and leaders are facing their own health concerns and that of their students. “Will I be safe going back into the classroom?” is a fair question, as is, “What supports will there be for my students and I regardless of being in school or at home?” The only thing we know for sure is that we continue to be living in an ever-changing world and unknown future.
With that in mind, I would like teachers and leaders to be mindful of the statement below as we all continue to experience this pandemic: Don’t try and be perfect. Just do your best.
Late last year I presented on the fact of not living in this new normal but rather creating a better normal. A better normal does not mean nor should it ever mean being perfect. Educators, like all of us just need to do their best and that will be highly varied depending on their own situation. My best might be barely struggling to pull myself out of bed or it might be walking into my classroom with more vim and vigor than ever before.
Acknowledging where we are, right now is our best, and that needs to be the starting point for everyone. Once we start with our best, we can start on getting better.
Here is the myth about getting better that most of us believe inherently: Getting better is instantaneous. Believing that causes frustration because we tend to evaluate our process on the ultimate goal rather than the small steps getting there. Getting better is a journey with many slips and falls, ups and downs. And leaders, especially need to understand that getting better requires support. There needs to be an acceptance that this is extremely challenging work (it was even before the pandemic) and supportive coaching, empathy and simple care are necessary.
Regardless of where you are on your “best” meter, accept it as your starting point and begin to move from there. Do not allow others to tell you where you should be! You are where you are period! We take students from where they are and not where we think they should be. Why shouldn’t that lesson translate to us as educators?
Your best is where you are right now! Your better comes in your time and with the supports you need. Be okay with your best and welcome your chance to get better!
