In-Courage

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It is easy to have courage when you're OUT.

Out of school — OUT of the loop — OUT of sync. In fact, OUT courage is when someone is on the outside looking in telling that person to be brave in the face of a struggle.

Those I admire are those with IN-courage.

Do you keep a positive attitude IN the face of struggle?
When you are truly facing IN-surmountable odds – you're a teacher who had their preplanning cut and you have to start school on the first day with the students1

When you are IN the midst of facing furloughs and don't know how much is going to be put IN your bank account every month. (It is happening NOW in Georgia.)

When you are receiving INsufficient training because all PD has been cut for the next two years because of budget cuts.

If you keep your positive attitude — if you continue to give your best to your students — if you continue to act with nobility IN this situation then you are my hero.

Teachers — let's have some IN-courage.

One day when we're retired and we look back on these days you'll be able to reminisce

“Yes, they cut everything –

preplanning,
my pay,
my professional development

…but I loved those kids so much I went in and preplanned anyway –

I still gave it my all — I still went online and read like crazy to learn.

Those days were tough but IN the midst of it all I was a teacher and knew that the future was IN my hands. It wasn't the kids fault that these adults had screwed up the budget and spent their future for our past.

So, I gave something that was more valuable than money — my heart, my time, my life.”

And you, one day, should you decide to have IN-courage-ment —

you will have truly grasped and found what the nobility of being a teacher is all about.

Keep the faith my friends — never let anyone steal your nobility – it is NOT for sale. IT cannot be taken — no one can give it away.

The person who can make it through this time will truly be the heroes of our generation. May it be that we are found to be the greatest generation of teachers – a generation that could not be discouraged by the IN-undation of our times.

IN-courage one another, my friends. Those who do not teach do not really know nor can they – we appreciate their support but truly our attitude will show the nobility of our cause.

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Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis is a full-time classroom teacher and IT Director in Georgia, USA. She is Mom of three, wife of one, and loves talking about the wise, transformational use of technology for teaching and doing good in the world. She hosts the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast which interviews teachers around the world about remarkable classroom practices to inspire and help teachers. Vicki focuses on what unites us -- a quest for truly remarkable life-changing teaching and learning. The goal of her work is to provide actionable, encouraging, relevant ideas for teachers that are grounded in the truth and shared with love. Vicki has been teaching since 2002 and blogging since 2005. Vicki has spoken around the world to inspire and help teachers reach their students. She is passionate about helping every child find purpose, passion, and meaning in life with a lifelong commitment to the joy and responsibility of learning. If you talk to Vicki for very long, she will encourage you to "Relate to Educate" or "innovate like a turtle" or to be "a remarkable teacher." She loves to talk to teachers who love their students and are trying to do their best. Twitter is her favorite place to share and she loves to make homemade sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls and enjoys running half marathons with her sisters. You can usually find her laughing with her students or digging into a book.

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6 comments

Teresa Thorne August 10, 2010 - 10:52 am

Vicki,
No, people who are not truly teachers at heart do not understand why we do what we do, for less pay and more hours. It is a sad sign of our times that education is valued below less tangible commodities. Lawmakers and politicians claim that education is #1 but when it comes down to it, they would rather pad their own pockets. Technology is just one component of how fiscal issues could be eased but sadly, it is seen as threatening and dangerous. Thanks for the inspiring post!
Teresa Thorne
Brackney, PA

Kbonfig August 10, 2010 - 2:02 pm

All the school budget cuts and program cuts are heartbreaking. I wish there was a solution. However, I love this reminder to keep your passion despite all odds. Definitely something we all can live by, no matter what field we are in.

Britt August 10, 2010 - 9:21 pm

This is such an encouraging post! I think I’m going to pull some quotes to scroll on my screensaver as a reminder throughout the school year! :)

Ana August 11, 2010 - 12:41 am

Hey! Don´t mind me disagreeing. I dont´know how is it like in the USA for teachers, but working as abnegateds won´t fly in Brazil. I mean, a lot of people has been buying this chant for a long while, and that´s why now we have to work 12 hours a day, five days a week to live decently – I mean, mortgage, health care and maybe a popular car.

This kind of talk had produced the eviliest kind of career prospect for teachers. Speaking for myself, if things don´t change, I´ll simply quit. Don´t want to starve when I am old or have no money for proper health care!

Best!

Jessica Belair August 11, 2010 - 4:04 am

Great idea! I’m going to do the same! :)

Britt August 12, 2010 - 4:21 am

I really loved the following segments:

“Yes, they cut everything -preplanning, my pay, my professional development… but I loved those kids so much I went in and preplanned anyway-I still gave it my all – I still went online and read like crazy to learn.”

and

“I gave something that was more valuable than money — my heart, my time, my life.”

Comments are closed.