Find Your Why – Simon Sinek
I’m reading again ‘Find your why’ by Simon Sinek. A really excellent book which encourages you to dig deep into the reasons and motivations which drive you to do what you do. It made me reflect on the stories and events which have shaped me to be so absolutely passionate about education and ultimately to have the best possible impact on the future of children.
Why coaching and mentoring teachers? Why this overwhelming drive and passion for the best experiences and education for children? These questions prompted me to trawl back through my career to ultimately find moments when I realised that teaching was more than a job. More than something to just pay the bills.
My Why – Working in a School
I was drawn to a couple of key moments but one in particular stood out. I was pretty early on in my career working in a school which had it’s fair share of deprivation. There was a child in my class, Peter, who was a target for other children to bully and ridicule. He was socially awkward and struggled to concentrate on academic learning constantly fidgeting and finding it near impossible to sit still. Life at home wasn’t good and at times, he seemed unhappy.
At the time, I was a very enthusiastic Music lead and Year 6 teacher. I had a great Head who allowed the Year 6 children to take part in a samba project every Monday afternoon (even though it was a SAT year) and that is where Peter found his magic. He was probably one of the most talented children I had ever seen with rhythm. The samba lead quickly gave him a group to ‘keep right’ and he shone with his new found responsibility and growing credibility with his peers. Seeing his potential, I pushed for him to have drum lessons and he was a natural! He brought the drum kit alive and demonstrated phenomenal talent.
The Magic Moment
Every month I had a music showcase in assembly where budding musicians could perform. I asked Peter if he wanted to play for the whole school. With much coaxing, he got on the stage and played his heart out to his peers. When he had finished, the whole school stood to applaud him and shout his name. The confidence, respect and validation of worth he received enabled him to succeed within academic subjects and also build friendships within school. I can still vividly remember the look on his face. The smile from ear to ear which said a thousand words. Even now as I type this, it still brings a tear to my eye.
Realisation
At that point, I realised what it was to be an educator. To be able to inspire children to find their magic. To never give up on every child’s learning and not stop until I had broken down every barrier so they could achieve. That as teachers, we have the potential to enable every child to shine.
So why coaching and mentoring?
Like every child we teach, I truly believe that there is magic in every educator. Support staff, teachers, school leaders everyone in the school community has it within them to educate to the best of their ability to enable every child to succeed. All of the Peter’s in the world deserve a champion. Someone who can break down barriers and see their magic. That is why I do what I do. Support teachers to break down their barriers to be the best they can be for the children they teach.
(No real names used within this document)
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