Failing Forward

The times are certainly trying. There are plenty of things in the world today that can lead us to think negative however, I choose something different.  I see people around me showing resilience and innovation as they address some of the greatest challenges of our generation. Many are taking risks, failing from their attempt, learning from their mistakes, and evolving as they prepare to take on the next challenge.  We in education are always a mirror image of the communities we serve so therefore, it is not a reach to say the same exists in education. 

Since schools have closed because of this pandemic, I have experienced some amazing transformations in classrooms.  Teachers, in a very short period of time, completely renovated what they were doing so they could deliver lessons in a virtual environment.  Fast forward to the fall and opening of schools, I see teachers utilizing digital tools in creative ways. Though I am impressed with all classes that have ‘tooled up’, I am humbled by the elective areas.  To watch art class, PE classes, and the shops operate in the digital world simply amazes me.

Though this transformation in education continues daily across the country, educators were not always so skilled.  They were forced into the environment and had to learn on the job.  Many struggled, many attempts failed, however an incredible thing happened.  In order to bridge the understanding of technology, sometimes students became the teachers and teachers became the students.  Students were able to help the teachers with their technology challenges and all made it through.   

The most difficult part of this whole process wasn’t the planning or the lessons, it was failure. When the most anxiety-provoking feeling was confronted, learning happened.  Educators learned from failure and didn’t quit. They pressed on as they tell their students to do everyday.  They failed forward.  They learned. They improved.  I believe some of these changes will remain long after the pandemic is over making us better and prepared to take on the next great challenge. 

Until next time...