A century ago, an explorer named Shackleton set out to explore the continent of Antarctica. The team would brave some of the harshest conditions on the planet and face insurmountable odds to survive. After their ship was crushed by the surrounding ice, the crew was stranded on a barren, frozen island. Shackleton mounted a rescue mission by using a lifeboat to sail over 800 miles to a whaling post to get help for his stranded crew. After months of brutal conditions the crew was eventually rescued without the loss of one single life. How was the crew able to survive and work together in such harsh conditions? Perhaps it was the ability of Shackleton to pull together a team of resilient thrill seekers through his non-traditional and honest posting for the crew:
“Men wanted for Hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.”
This posting help assure Shackleton that all the men who answered his call would not only be willing to endure hardships, they would thrive on them. His honesty helped him create a team that would not panic during difficulties, but would support one another and strive toward success in the face of danger. This got me thinking of what a realistic posting for educators would look like. My first thought was something like this:
“Brave men and women wanted for difficult job. No opportunities for fame or fortune. Constant struggles and public scrutiny. Will make a difference in the lives of children and help shape the future if successful.”
I’ve often said that being an educator is a calling. No one goes into teaching for the money and those who stay are driven by a desire to help others. It can be grueling, frustrating, and stressful, but it is worth every struggle when we see the smile on a student’s face. I’m not one for sugarcoating education. Yes, I love my job and couldn’t dream of doing anything else, but it’s not for everyone. It’s for those with big hearts, tough skin, and open minds. What would your honest posting for education look like?
“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.” – Ernest Shackleton
“Never interupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.” – Amelia Earhart
“I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.” – Daniel Boone
- Monday, February 19: No School for President’s Day
- Tuesday, February 20: Achievement Team/REED for KP (Kurtjian) 8:15 AM, iReady & Illuminate Window Closes
- Wednesday, February 21: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 PM, Founder’s Day Banquet at Schoolcraft-Doors open at 5:30 Dinner at 6:00 PM
- Thursday, February 22: Short Staff Meeting at 8:30 in LMC to discuss Mileage Club (Jon, Kristen, Nan, Katie, Shayna to iReady training at Hayes) 8:30-11:30 AM, PTA Meeting 7:00 PM
- Monday, February 26: Student of the Month Assembly 9:05 AM
- Tuesday, February 27: Achievement Team 8:15 AM, Parent Meeting (Williams) 2:30 PM, District School Improvement 5:30-7:30 PM
- Wednesday, February 28: Students dismissed at 12:10 PM / Building PD 1:00-4:00 PM
- Thursday, March 1: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM, Mileage Club begins!
- Friday, March 2: Jon in Lansing for MEMSPA Board Meeting
- Wednesday, March 7: Kindergarten Parent Information Night 6:00 PM
- Thursday, March 8: Tornado Drill 3:30 PM
- Friday, March 9: Students dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher Work Day in building 1:00-4:00 PM
- Saturday, March 10: PTA Pancake Breakfast and Book Fair Kick Off 9:00-12:00
- Week of March 12: Scholastic Book Fair in the East Commons
- Thursday, March 15: CLT 7:50-8:50 AM
- Thursday, March 22: Battle of the Books! (Lunch in Classrooms), PTA Meeting 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 27: Wild About Reading All School Assembly 1:30-2:30 PM
- Friday, March 30: No School – Spring Break Begins!
The Spark of Learning 