As numerous psychological studies have shown, it is not uncommon for educators to experience a sense of disillusionment at a point in their careers at which they reach a plateau. This feeling of disillusionment is a sign that something is missing, and that something is the drive towards constant progression – the very human impulse to be better, think better and live better. The key to overcoming this hurdle and becoming even better as a teacher, is lifelong learning. What is interesting is that the nature of that lifelong learning does not have to relate to one’s job in order to produce positive results. For some, it’s about learning a new language, for others it may be learning a new craft. Whatever the learning path may be, the end result is always the same – a renewed sense of purpose.
The axiom, “practice what you preach,” comes to mind when it comes to the need for educators to embark on lifelong learning. The job of any educator is to educate learners through presenting material in an appropriate way but an important part of that process includes teaching through ‘doing.’ When educators themselves, demonstrate a willingness to learn, they play an active role in creating a culture of curiosity and a desire to keep learning, within their respective environments. According to Dr. Art Costa, “Teachers who continue to learn throughout their professional careers display the humility of knowing that they don’t know, which is the highest form of thinking they will ever learn.”
Sometimes this humility is viewed as a weakness by colleagues, causing me to feel like a misfit in a career to which I was called to serve. I spent most of my life battling the idea that being different is not a curse. I know now that misfits, we are rare and are here for a purpose – to share what we know and what we feel to the rest of the world and help them understand what we see.
You see, we are misfits because we feel as if we are not understood. That the world doesn’t get why we are the way we are.
As misfits, we are on journey to find a home and feel acceptance. Since we don’t just fit in anywhere, it takes a special kind of place for us to feel at home. For some that place is a person. Home is a person where you can share every part of your soul, the deepest darkest parts of it; and still feel safe, accepted, and of course understood. But home can also be a hobby, a group or club, or even a place that defines who you are.
I needed my tribe – as they call it – my people. And who would have thought I would find “my people” in Cullowhee, North Carolina. They are Kenan Fellows like myself. They are lifelong learners, enthusiastic about learning, collaborative, innovative, facilitators of learning! I am so happy that I found them because with them, I am no longer a misfit!
Always remember, every misfit has a home they belong to.
And even in this big world, you are never alone.
Please meet this upcoming year’s Kenan Fellows…..below!
2018 – 2019 Kenan Fellows
