I was into my talk to the teachers!
I was blessed with a unique opportunity last Friday of returning to my old school. I attended 1st grade through senior year at South Pemiscot school in Steele, Missouri. My 1st cousin’s husband was the president of the teacher’s association. They had an inservice for teachers of all grades and he asked me to share some stories as an alumni and a motivational message to them.
It was a really enjoyable experience. I was blessed to be able to take Amanda and the kids with me, who got up early to go to Missouri. The kids went to my parents while Amanda stayed to be with me at the teacher’s assembly. We enjoyed breakfast with the teachers and then I got to speak.
What Surprised Me:
The most surprising aspect of the day was the tremendous change over in the teachers from when I was in school. I don’t know why this surprised me. I graduated in 1994, so I have been gone over 20 years, thus it was mostly all new teachers. I began by telling them, I should be talking to the retired teacher’s association, because they were actually in the stories and my “thank you” was aimed at them, but I hoped my thoughts about my teachers could inspire present teachers.
What I Shared with Them:
I shared some stories that I remembered through the years. Little anecdotes that you wonder why you remember, but say something because you do. Some humorous stories from my time in school. But I had two key themes, one from the stories and one as a lesson. The point from the stories was their significant role in influencing and shaping the values and education of the next generation. How their work is not so much about the content they teach, but about who they are and the students they are shaping. The closing lesson is one I got from Andy Stanley and have used in various situations. It comes from the question, “What do you do when you are the most powerful person in the room?” The Biblical text is Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13. The answer is what all great leaders, parents, teachers, and servants have always done, they choose to leverage their power for the good of everyone in the room. They choose to serve, love, and give to those who are under their influence.
How I was Blessed:
I was blessed to be encouraged by a few of my past teachers who were so kind and complimentary. I am glad I had the opportunity to say thank you and encourage teachers in their great work. I was also able to see some classmates and family. It was good to go back to my old stomping grounds and see where I spent so much time and share some memories with Amanda. Finally, we were blessed to enjoy a visit and meal with mom and dad before heading back to Ky.
