10 Rules of the Education Game for Educators
By Frances Parker
1. Be a standing ovation for students.
Low self-esteem, ignorance, and deferred dreams stalk many students. Commit to being an advocate for all students. Applaud their successes, no matter how small.
2. Cultivate cast-iron confidence.
Consciously nurture yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Have an open mind, but believe in yourself. Set high standards. Let others help you implement your vision.
3. Know your piece in the puzzle.
Protocol is very important. Adherence to rules of professional etiquette should be routine. No matter how you perceive people, respect their positions, particularly in terms of how their positions relate to yours.
4. Remember why you’re in the kitchen.
You’re in the kitchen because you can take the heat. Nobody who understands education said it would be easy. Study your area of expertise. Keep up with educational trends. Familiarize yourself with every available resource. Take risks. Take the heat.
5. Let bruises fade.
Pick your battles wisely. Prioritize your concerns. Don’t waste time and energy struggling with something of little consequence. Deep wounds come soon enough.
6. Step in stuff you can wipe off.
Make promises you are committed to keep. Your reputation will often precede you. Be careful about burning bridges that can be costly in your future. Feelings are fine, but don’t let them dictate your behavior.
7. Work your workplace politics.
Workplace politics involving power and human interactions is a reality. Be aware of how others behave and with whom. Keep your standards high and avoid unnecessary conflict. You’ll learn most when you read, observe, listen, network, and analyze. Monitor what you say and to whom you say it. All decisions have consequences. Making no decision is a decision.
8. Tell time with your heart.
Live in the now. Really try to understand the other person’s point of view. Everybody has baggage. Be fair, firm, and consistent. Apologize when you’re wrong. Be aware of a moral boundary you refuse to cross.
9. Pick up a turtle.
If you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you know somebody helped to put it there. Be on the lookout for turtles aiming for fence posts. You were picked up many times. Now it’s your turn.
10. Expect rainbow smiles.
Rainbow smiles hug you so tightly, you can feel ribs of joy press against your essence. Education is a wonderful profession. Every day brings opportunities for you to positively impact lives. And when you do, rainbow smiles will come.
© Frances Shani Parker, http://www.francesshaniparker.com/
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers. A chapter on school-nursing home partnerships and service-learning is included.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Consciously nurture yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Have an open mind, but believe in yourself. Set high standards. Let others help you implement your vision.
3. Know your piece in the puzzle.
Protocol is very important. Adherence to rules of professional etiquette should be routine. No matter how you perceive people, respect their positions, particularly in terms of how their positions relate to yours.
4. Remember why you’re in the kitchen.
You’re in the kitchen because you can take the heat. Nobody who understands education said it would be easy. Study your area of expertise. Keep up with educational trends. Familiarize yourself with every available resource. Take risks. Take the heat.
5. Let bruises fade.
Pick your battles wisely. Prioritize your concerns. Don’t waste time and energy struggling with something of little consequence. Deep wounds come soon enough.
6. Step in stuff you can wipe off.
Make promises you are committed to keep. Your reputation will often precede you. Be careful about burning bridges that can be costly in your future. Feelings are fine, but don’t let them dictate your behavior.
7. Work your workplace politics.
Workplace politics involving power and human interactions is a reality. Be aware of how others behave and with whom. Keep your standards high and avoid unnecessary conflict. You’ll learn most when you read, observe, listen, network, and analyze. Monitor what you say and to whom you say it. All decisions have consequences. Making no decision is a decision.
8. Tell time with your heart.
Live in the now. Really try to understand the other person’s point of view. Everybody has baggage. Be fair, firm, and consistent. Apologize when you’re wrong. Be aware of a moral boundary you refuse to cross.
9. Pick up a turtle.
If you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you know somebody helped to put it there. Be on the lookout for turtles aiming for fence posts. You were picked up many times. Now it’s your turn.
10. Expect rainbow smiles.
Rainbow smiles hug you so tightly, you can feel ribs of joy press against your essence. Education is a wonderful profession. Every day brings opportunities for you to positively impact lives. And when you do, rainbow smiles will come.
© Frances Shani Parker, http://www.francesshaniparker.com/
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers. A chapter on school-nursing home partnerships and service-learning is included.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
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