New Teacher Support & Development
Empowering and Motivating Every Student, Every Day!
THE RIGHT HAND'S TALE
Last week, I tripped over the curb. I was in pain, a bit disoriented at first. After a rest, I collected myself, thinking that I was okay. But, I was not! I was no longer in control. I needed help. District personnel attended to my immediate needs, drove me to the clinic, filled out documents for me, stayed with me until my son arrived. The fall resulted in three fractured bones in my right hand. With my hand in a splint and sling, I have lost dexterity. I am stuck! I have had much time to reflect but about how I may use my unfortunate experience for my teachers’ sakes.
At various times, teachers have expressed the following. I am not a person who likes to ask for help. I do not like to show that I am vulnerable. I want to do it myself. The district hired me; I am supposed to know it, so I do not want to ask. I am a newbie; what will they think?
Sometimes, new teachers get stuck; they face a wall. Proverbially, they trip over the curb: challenged, overwhelmed, off-balanced, apprehensive. Some isolate themselves, work alone, and do not ask for help. They feel that asking for help diminishes their credibility. We share that doing the hard work of being vulnerable and asking for support conversely signifies their strength for wanting to grow.
The hand specialist informed me today that I have another couple of months with the splint, taped fingers, and hand therapy. He added, “Basically, during the physical therapy, you must think, ‘No pain, no gain!’” I have shared before that teaching is not for the faint-hearted. Teaching is challenging! Teaching requires being persistent, being uncomfortable at times, being willing to embrace the wisdom of others, and ultimately, being willing to accept the process of improvement may hurt but that the growth will transcend the pain!
My injury does not warrant surgery, for which I am blessed. My degree of healing rests in my hands. Yes, I will be vulnerable for a while. Yes, I will ask for help. Yes, I will do my part to improve. Yes, I will!
John Ekelund
Unlocking the Future Today!