Our school was abuzz with energy last week: from WE Day, a student versus staff dodgeball game, a bake sale for the Stollery, hot lunch, crazy hair day, Josh Classen from CTV, in-school field trips. You name it, it seemed to be happening.
For days I heard talk of the dodgeball game, students bubbling over with stories about WE Day and students of all grades excited to watch the grade 5 classes on the news. The energy and excitement was palpable. These events could not and would not take place without dedicated staff members: leaders who care enough about our students to devote time to these so-called extras. Often it is these extras that create the buzz.
In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela relays a story from one of his childhood caregivers: “A leader, he said, is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
Whose idea was the bake sale for the Stollery? The students. Where was the teacher? Leading from behind, empowering those in her charge to create a buzz all their own.
In Guatemala teachers have the same status as priests and doctors in the community. Your blog explains why.
An appropriate tribute to those who work quietly behind the scenes in schools to make a difference in the lives of children.