Why so often does it seem that educators are in competition with each other? Are we trying to push others out of bounds, so our information get noticed first? Is her book so much better than his? Can’t they both be of value?
Sure, some of the book topics are similar with content and practices, but aren’t we in this together? How come some amazing edu’s that have authored books, will also gladly share and support others, but some will not even acknowledge others? It seems odd, that in our country of broken educational goals, values and systems, that we wouldn’t be more united and celebratory of each other.
Take my buddy Adam Welcome, for example. I speak to Adam whenever I can, because I learn each time we chat – I hope it is reciprocal too, as we can get pretty deep at times. But here is the deal. Adam has written 3 books, 2 are published and 1 is currently in the publisher’s hands (co-written with the amazing Lynn Colón). I see Adam taking pics and videos with so many other author’s books and sharing the great things he’s seen and read! Why? Because he wants others to succeed and rock it too! We should all be in this for EVERY CHILD. EACH TEACHER. ALL ADMIN.
The more we feel comfortable sharing our successes, wins, tricks, trades, messages, the better our students will be in the long run. Let’s not have pride and money get in the way of helping others. We need to be on board, as a group of brains, bodies, beliefs, resources and ideas that make education great for every child in this nation and around the world!
I love to share my blogs, podcasts I guest on, articles I read, books I have learned from, and so much more. I tag others that I feel may enjoy or benefit from what I’ve learned or shared too. If someone isn’t compelled to read, click, or share, then that is up to them. But if I see something amazing, I’ll let the person know how much I like, have learned and have grown from their message. At the same time, I probably am too honest and transparent about my ideas at times and that throws people off! But, it’s who I am.
Have you noticed that on Twitter, many people follow others because of a NAME, not the necessarily the content or learning they can garner from someone? Or, you’ll see people get super excited because X followed them? With so many phenomenal educators, authors, professionals and others on our Social Media fingertips, we all need to make an effort to be open, share information, say no if needed, request ideas, but most importantly: Be genuine and kind. I get it. We are all busy in our own way of 24/7. We choose to give and/or spend time with those we feel we have the greatest connection, friendship or history with. Make the time meaningful. Help each other grow. Watch each other win and succeed. Isn’t that what we need?
Publishers want to sell books and market authors. Authors want to sell books and market themselves and their messages out. I get it. As someone who will be a published author soon, I know that I am not going to be making much money (it is amazing how many books one needs to sell to be wealthy). I want to send a message. Share ideas. Help those in need with my charitable acts. It seems that most eduAuthors want this too. So, let’s celebrate each other. Encourage each other. Share the wins. Watch the fireworks burst. But remember, we have about 60 million students in the U.S.A that need us, a united front of educators, making a difference for them. We should put that first.
Peace, my friends!
#DropOfKindness #CompelledTribe #PushBoundEDU