A friend once told me that I have an artist’s mind, random and all over the place. While it was a nice way to put it, what she was really telling me was I lack focus. I’ve always hopped from project to project, idea to idea. It’s difficult for me to stay tuned in to one thing for any length of time.
Last weekend I had a chat with Irene Latham on the steps of the State Museum at the Louisiana Book Festival. We were talking about conferences. She said she realized she could be a conference junkie but questioned whether that would serve her mission. Her mission? Yes, Irene has a mission statement. Don’t we all? She wrote about how to find your own mission statement in her post on Smack Dab in the Middle.
The first question, “Who do you admire?” reminded me of a process my friend Kimberley talked about; Find the person who is doing what you want to do and find out how they got there. In other words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
When creating a mission statement, I had to consider my personality type. I really care what people think of me. It’s a fault, except that it keeps me behaving in ways that are kind and thoughtful. I want others to respect me, so I respect them. Not a bad way to be. It’s tough when I chew on an incident for a long time. I’m not good at letting things go.
What does this all have to do with digital literacy and teaching? In creating a mission statement, a focus for my life, I see clearly that I want to empower others to be the best they can be. I want to bring creativity into the world. Through my teaching and writing, I can be both wind and wings.
My students worked all week on their podcasts. They created scripts from their research and collaborated on making something creative and new. Yet, the learning curve was high. I wasn’t sure we could meet it. I am still waiting on tech help from our district department; however, the glitches didn’t really bother the kids. They understand that’s all part of making something new in this digital world.
When I reflect on the projects we do in my class, I realize the ones that encourage the strongest focus are ones that are highly creative, honor choice, and are student-driven. My classroom mission statement is not that different from my personal mission statement. Margaret and Mrs. Simon walk hand in hand to find their focus and meaning in this world.
Post your link below:
I need a mission statement. I read these words and felt a light bulb light up…YES! I need that. I’m going to work on mine. I’ll share when I’m done. THANK YOU for your inspiration today!
I know, right? Why hadn’t I thought of it before? It’s so helpful when trying to decide, Do I want to take this new project on? Now I can ask, Does this serve my mission?
Margaret, focus and mission statements are powerful tools to impact teaching and learning. I love how you crafted this post to reveal your thinking. Being an open risk-taker takes grit and perseverance.
Wow! YOu know how to hit a girl right between the eyes. Thanks for the good Sunday wake up!
[…] post is part of “DigiLit Sunday,” hosted by Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche. This week’s topic is focus. Please be sure to visit Margaret’s blog to read more […]
Dear Margaret, I love this! And I love how you have tapped into ways to empower others. You were doing that. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty in this post. XO
[…] Join the #DigilitSunday authors at Margaret Simon’s blog here. […]
Margaret,
I love that your focus includes . . . activities that are” highly creative, honor choice, and are student-driven.” That is so YOU!
Inspirational post! Perhaps, if we all created our personal mission statements, then we would be able to find common ground with those who seem to disagree.
But that would assume that mission statements fit within a hope for the common good and justice for all.
I’m struggling with the animosity in this election, and the undermining of democracy; I’m struggling with the militarization of our police and the injustices towards Native Americans at Standing Rock as well as the Black Lives Matter movement and others. What kind of mission statement guides those actions?
When I step back from my own little world, I am crushed from the weight of these inconsistencies and inequalities. Yes, I can guide my little world, and I used to see how it fit into the bigger picture. But the hopelessness stirred up by this election shakes our country off it’s foundation, and that puts all of our little worlds in jeopardy.
How do we regain our country’s mission statement — foundation of fundamental freedom and liberty for the common good for which we once stood together as a nation. How do we find that again?
You see how powerful your little post is: it starts with each of us.
Wow, Sheri. So many of us share your disillusionment and concern. We need to keep doing the best we can and not get sucked into negativity. At least that’s what I hope to do.
I agree with Sheri. What an inspirational post. Your self examination here is robust and what it led you to is no small realization. Knowing your mission is essential. You are a gift to the many communities you serve. Here’s hoping (and praying) for a nation with a tad bit of the passion and purpose you embody.
[…] the #DigilitSunday authors at Margaret Simon’s blog here. This week’s topic is […]
Focus was a much more thought-provoking word than I first thought it would be. I love the idea of having a mission statement to clarify my goals. I completely agree about our students doing their best work when they’re able to choose their focus. Can’t wait to hear more about your students’ podcasts!