Making History: Do Something Beyond

"Why is Clark Kent more interesting? Because we’re all Clark Kent. We all know what it’s like to be ordinary and boring and to want to rip open our shirts and do something beyond ourselves. “

– Brad Meltzer

Did I Do Enough? No. (Do we ever?)

When I heard this quote earlier in year it really stuck with me. Each of us wants to do something to be remembered, to make a difference. It’s important for us, as educators, to take the time to think about the difference we do make, and more importantly the difference we can make in the lives of our students.

I’ve often hear teachers say, “I know I made the difference in at least one of my students’ lives, and probably more, but I just don’t know it” (or something like that). Is that enough? I’ve made it a point in my teaching career, sixteen amazing years ago, to get to know each one of my students and value each one of them as a person. Did I succeed? No. Have there been years, days, or moments where I could have done better? Yes.

It’s hard to think about the idea of whether I did enough. Did I “do something beyond” myself? I know I tried, and I will try again when I meet the next group of kids. Why? Because they only get to do sixth grade once.

I thought I’d include a few of the more memorable notes/comments I received over the last few days of the year. I still find the hand written notes and pictures from my students and parents to be my favorite. This is not everything, nor is it enough. I know we may never know the impact we make on others, but when we do know, we need to treasure it. I’d like to share some of my treasure with you…