Trying Not to Fail

Last week, my blog was about defining success. The summary is that student success should be measured much differently than college acceptance, a full scholarship, or a six-figure salary as an adult. Successful students become contributors to their community. While the definition of success was fresh in my mind, I traveled to Raleigh this week for professional development. As a part of this workshop, I got to hear Dr. Dudley Flood speak about equity in education. Trust me, if you don't know him, look him up. He's a WEALTH of knowledge. He's much older now and has a foundation that others run in his namesake. He's one of those older people that you just want to listen to. I was pinned on his every word and one particular sentence caught my attention. "Trying not to fail is not the same as success." Please take a second and think about that sentence. Seriously, stop reading and think. 

It's no secret that this has been a tough year for educators. The instant readjustment to school has been painful at times as we deal with behavior issues, attendance issues, apathy, and students that are simply unprepared for the courses that we teach. Some have done fine, but others are failing. At times we have done so much to try to engage them and at this point, many of us have grown tired and feel that we are failing as educators. No one likes to fail, so at different points, we have a spark. Students turn in assignments late or we have just one more conversation with a few students to convince them to do their best. I have days that I am right there with you, wishing I had done a little more. We are all trying not to fail. 

In a few days, we will all get a much-deserved break. Enjoy it. You earned every second. But when you come back for the final five weeks of school, I am going to ask for your very best. It will take excitement, motivation, communication, and every teacher trick that you have in your arsenal. It will undoubtedly take patience and understanding. It will certainly take love. So please enjoy your break and time to recharge. We have important work to do when you get back, and when you do, I am going to ask for success over trying not to fail.