How to "Be The Best" for Students

I love this video! Not only does it inspire me to always look for strengths in others, it has a quote that makes me think.

"There's a difference between being the best IN the world and being the best FOR the world."

At first, this seemed like a small thing. Replacing a two letter word with a three letter word can't make that much of a difference, right? A little time for reflection changed my mind.

When I am focused on being the best IN the world (or district or state), suddenly the data, the perceptions of outsiders, and often the most critical feedback becomes the driver for what I do. Competition rules. The need to "win" becomes paramount. I become stressed, unhappy, restless. Ultimately my focus changes. In this state, the focal point does not line up with what I value, why I got into education in the first place, or my heart for students.

But when I focus on being the best FOR the world, on WHO I am serving, I do my best work. My heart is on students and families who need us, on the "drummers" in our midst who need someone to see their talents not their deficits, on those who need someone to listen. When my passion, my heart, my "why" and my work align, I am alive! I can find joy in the most stressful of days, smile despite the crazy and know I am where I need to be!

I think this might be true for you too. I pretty sure I saw some of you being the best FOR our students this year. I saw you:

- checking in on students who have been affected by the recent events in our country,

- listening to misbehaving students to find out WHY the misbehavior is happening,

- using "two by ten" to connect with our toughest students (10 days in a row; 2 minutes a day of conversations to get to know the student. See "more info" below).

- having in depth mentoring conversations in the hall,

- and so much more!

Thank you for...

...finding the best in each of our students,

...recognizing and pointing out their talents, and

...allowing them to discover their abilities through your classes.

Thank you for being "Mr. Jensen" to so many!

Look for possibilities.

Get creative.

Find joy.

Kim

More Info: