Welcome to What We Do Matters
For the past twenty-nine years as a teacher and over forty years as a coach, I've had the privilege of doing what I love most: working with young people, guiding them toward their goals, and helping them discover the strength they often don't realize they have. Teaching and coaching have never just been roles for me - they've been my calling, and the source of so much joy, growth, and meaning in my life.
Over the past two and half years, as I've been creating this Gratitude Journal for Educators, I've gone on a journey of reflection and personal growth that has deepened my understanding of what I do and why I do it. This process has given me the space to clearly identify my purpose each day as an educator, which I've come to describe in three words: distract, dismantle, and inspire.
For me, it's important to "distract" our students, which means creating a safe space where the students I teach and interact with each day can step away from whatever they may be carrying with them from outside the walls of school. Then, I help to "dismantle" any limiting beliefs and self-doubts that often get in the way of their progress. Finally, "inspire" is the of it all - encouraging the students to challenge themselves to dream bigger, to set higher standards, and to refuse to let fear, failure, or struggle define their path, progress, and journey they are on.
In putting this journal together, I've been reminded again that what I do matters.
Each day is another opportunity to show up for my students, players, my colleagues, staff, community, and myself, to be a steady presence, and to make an impact on the lives of those who count on me. This work has given me greater insight, focus, and gratitude for the privilege of being an educator.
My hope is that this journal does the same for you. As you reflect on your own journey, my you find renewed purpose, greater clarity, and daily reminders of the extraordinary difference you make, simply by showing up and being there for the young people who need you most.
Because at its core, education is an act of service. When we serve others, we change lives, and in the process, our own lives are changed too.