The Work that Matters

This week students across the state of Texas will be taking the STAAR test (which is Texas's version of high stakes state accountability testing for those of you outside of Texas.)  Instead of focusing on the STAAR test and state accountability, I felt the need for teachers to focus on something more important.  Encouraging yourself and those around you.

Take a couple of minutes to watch the video above.

What did it make you think about? What have you told yourself to help you get through the tough times that come with being a teacher? What will you continue to tell yourself?

As we know, teaching is so much more than preparing our kids for a state assessment. Teaching is about preparing students for their future, their life, their possibilities, not a state test.  But as public schools we are required to administer the state assessments.  What we can do is decide where we place our focus as districts, schools, admin, and teachers.  I choose to focus on what I do what I do as an educator.

As you are administering the STAAR test, or whatever your state's high stakes test is called, be sure to take moments to remember why you do what you do.  As you take those moments to reflect, remember this:

• Your work matters.
• Your work makes a difference in the lives of others.

​You may not always hear it from your kids and their parents but I promise you that you are making a difference. We are shaping the future of our students' lives. That is the work that matters. Always remember that.

Think. Achieve. Succeed.


Jeff