You may have read my previous blog post called "The Weird Kid with the Guitar" in which I talk about the power of extracurricular activities for all students: the ones who are not athletic, but still find a place in the varied activities of a healthy school environment.
This weekend I had the opportunity to, once again, help coach my school's speech team. And, as reliable as clockwork, as I looked over the gymnasium that Saturday morning I noticed one, two, three weird kids with guitars! I was pleased to see once again that these people could come to a place like Dubuque Senior High School, find common ground with others that are like them, stand up in front of a set of judges in a crowd, and do what most people fear most: speak publicly.
I suppose the aspect that brings me the most satisfaction is the experience that is the lifeblood of all educators: creating and working directly with young people to prepare them for their future. Sure, all school leaders know that we need to smile at our students in the hallway, give them a high-five and they've done well at a sporting event or for other accomplishments, and to circulate among them during lunch time.
But I believe it is much more important for those of us are school leaders to continue to tap into that vital energy that is the work of speech coaches, athletic coaches, tutors, and any other position or role we can find to do the work of building, growing, and learning, not just being friendly in the hallway.
Doing so provides perspective, energizes and renews our spirits, and demonstrates in a much more powerful way the fact that we love learning, and that we will support our students' growth with more than just smiles, but with actions.
