“There are 3 kinds of story of action– those we live, those we tell, and those which help our souls fly upward toward a great light.” (Peg Rubin in conversation)
Every school has a narrative that infuses their conversations, their identity and their morale. There is a narrative I hear lately in struggling schools of unprepared teachers dealing with difficult students who are hopelessly behind in skills and behavior. To meet the needs of these students, teachers need to be willing to work 12 hours a day. I might title this story, “Martyrs to the Cause.” Supporting that story is the bigger narrative of failing teachers and schools.
Yet I see another story when I walk through many of those buildings, a story that offers a foundation of assets to draw from rather than a void. I see the richness of a diverse population, a young energetic teaching staff, an experienced technology resource person, parents who care enough to complain.
For this second story to take hold, it needs to be based on clear evidence accumulated over time and it needs to be repeated even in the face of those who believe rigor means constant criticism. It needs to be internalized and believed. I have seen this work at DCIS@Fairmont where the leaders communicated a visionary story, inspired teachers and community and created a joyful school where for years before there had been a struggling school. To learn about DCIS@Fairmont: http://dcisfairmont.dpsk12.org
We can shift the story to inspire us with what we have been able to do rather than motivate us with fear of what we cannot do. I ask people I work with to take a minute to let go of the failures and pressures—just a minute. Think about what is good in your school or district to support every, or even many, students to learn and grow. What assets, no matter how small, do we have to build on? Write this down. Tell it to each other. Tell it to people at home. Put it on posters in the hallways and classrooms. Most of all, tell your kids and their families so they feel hope in their school community.
For research based ideas to shifting and telling your story as a way to inspire your best possibilities: https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling/