You Can't Control Everything

I can't control everything.

Repeat - I can't control everything.

Repeat - I can't control everything.

That is a tough statement for me. I admit it......I am a Control Freak.
I actually think most teachers are.

That is why we get so frustrated with the things out of our control. And lets face it, as teachers there are a lot of things we cannot control.

I was recently in Vertical Articulation with the grade level teams above and below me. Our task was to highlight the standards that our students consistently struggle with and to develop a plan of how each grade level could better target those standards.

Within minutes the discussion quickly turned into:

• It's because the kids don't come to school. We can't do anything about that. 
• It's because the kids don't do their homework. We can't do anything about that.
• It's because we have to use this scripted reading program. We can't do anything about that.
• It's because they came to us already a year below grade level. We can't do anything about that.
• It's because students are not retained anymore. We can't do anything about that.

When we left the meeting we had not accomplished anything and did not have a plan. 

The next day I could not get the "discussion" out of my mind. 

I was bothered.

I am the first to admit I have said, felt or used those exact excuses. Yes, I said excuses.  

I was not bothered by the excuses.

I was not bothered by the venting. 

I was not bothered by the complaining.

I was bothered because I sat there silently nodding in agreement. 

I did not offer any solutions. 

Not one!!!

Do we allow students to pass the blame, make excuses or sit by idly?

NO! 

Then as teachers we should not be allowed to either!

Here's the thing.....all of those things that we said that were out of our control are also out of the student's control. 

Last time I checked it was only me and my students inside the four walls of our classroom each and every day. 

If I want my students to learn I cannot make excuses or focus on the things I cannot control. I must focus on the things I can control.

There is a lot I can control in my classroom. 

• The culture in my classroom.
• The level of student engagement in my classroom.
• My excitement and enthusiasm. (Even if it is a scripted program I am not a fan of!)
• My student's self esteem.
• The lessons and activities. (Or at least how they are delivered.)

My biggest takeaway from that meeting was what I can control outside of my classroom. 

• Me 

Yes, ME.

I can stand up and be an advocate for my students and their education. 

If I don't, who will?

I will no longer sit by in meetings nodding silently in agreement. 

I will share my opinions and ideas. 

I will offer solutions, not excuses. 

I will encourage others to do the same.

We teach because we want to make a difference. 

Everything we do is for the students. 

That is why we became teachers, right?