Thursday, January 24, 2013

Smile File

As a classroom teacher, I always kept a “smile file”. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, a special folder or spot where I keep the treasured notes from students that were specially crafted for me. The “thank yous” from parents for making a difference in their child’s life. Sometimes these are simple drawings, other times elaborate letters. Sometimes it’s even a copy of student work from the beginning of the year and the end of the year that shows tremendous progress. Either way, these are the things many of us cherish far more than monetary rewards or artifacts we can put in our portfolios.

When you make the transition from classroom teacher to instructional coach, no one warns you that your “smile file” might be empty for awhile. Sometimes we pop into classrooms just to get our “kid fix”. We might treasure each smile and wave we get from a student. Any acknowledgement that someone is happy we are here. That we made a difference in someone else’s day.

As adults, we don’t often take time to write notes of thanks for the people we appreciate in our lives (unless we’ve received a tangible gift or perhaps a birthday wish). It’s taken me a couple of years to figure out what a “smile file” for an instructional coach might be. I have a couple of thank you notes. I have saved a couple of emails. Today I saved a reflection from a teacher who is taking a course that I am facilitating. This reflection will help me to remember that it takes more than presenting materials or asking “the right” questions to help people move. It also takes a decision on their part to want more for their classroom and for their students. When this formula all works together (learning opportunities, willingness to learn, collaboration) then amazing things can happen for our students. I will always enjoy my “smile file” from my little students. But just as meaningful is my addition from my grown-up students!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Job vs Profession

What makes work "work"? There is a distinct difference between having a job and creating a career. I'm not saying that everybody doesn't have those days where they are so frustrated with work that they would rather be doing something else. But if you genuinely can't say there are more days when you feel excited to walk into work than not, you are probably in a "job". Answers.com states that the difference between a job and a profession is that a profession "should be one that the individual continues to desire to return to day after day without dread."

I have to admit that I'm very lucky. There are many people who don't get the opportunity to go to school to study for a profession. Who may not have the resources to pursue the opportunities they dream of (or have to work harder than others to create those opportunities).

Earlier this year, a group of coaches and I had a chance to renew some of our "professional" spirit at the Twelfth Annual Instructional Coaching Conference (here we are with Bob Marzano). It was a great way to connect with other professionals as well as renew our focus on our work. While I learned a lot about what is going on in the realm of coaching across the globe, I learned a lot about myself and the way I approach my work. I've come to realize more and more that to be a successful coach you have to start with the inside.

As I continue to refine my skills, I have to focus on how I am approaching my work. Am I getting the results I desire? If not, what do I need to change? How could I look at the problem differently?

How will you approach your vocation this week? Are you going to "work" or are you going to your "profession"?