What? Summer’s Over?
As many of you know, I have spent a lot of my personal time on a sailboat enjoying the Maine coastline. The views have been spectacular, and I have learned a lot about Maine and the complexity or simplicity of life. It struck me recently that there are a lot of shared principles between sailing and the work we all do for public education. Since a new school year is underway, I thought I would share some observations.
- Planning is Key.
The ocean tides are always changing and should be planned for. In the marina where the boat is, the water depth can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and/or the moon phase. The sailboat I have been spending time on is a Tartan 33 which has a draw of 4 feet 6 inches so the water depth below the keel must be greater than that to be able to navigate the boat and get in and out of the marina. Planning ahead and paying attention to your surroundings is key to avoid getting mired in the mud. To best support members, MEA has paid attention to the evolving impact of COVID on all of you and our school environments and has worked collaboratively with stakeholders to anticipate what this school year might look like and how we can meet members’ evolving needs and communicate more effectively. We are also looking ahead to plan for any possible changes due to this November’s election. Elections matter. Your voice matters. If you need a list of MEA endorsed candidates, please visit the MEA website.
- The Work is Never Done.
The saying goes that the best days for a boat owner are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat. That is because there is always something that needs to be fixed, replaced, or managed. A consistent investment of time and energy is required to have a functioning vessel that is seaworthy and enjoyable. Even when under way, the symphony of tasks to be completed on a sailboat to capture the energy of the wind and ocean is complex. There are multiple sails that can be deployed in a variety of ways to maximize speed and efficiency depending on wind direction. Determining the best combination depends on utilizing the tools available to assess the reach of the current wind. Similarly, educators employ many tools and partnerships to help a student reach their full potential. The work of ALL educators is never done, and there are many parts that must work together in the best interests of students and public education in general. The work you all do every day is inspirational and motivates all of us at MEA to find new and better ways to support you. Please remember MEA is here when you need us.
- Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Ride.
While there is plenty of planning and work to be done to make a successful trip, I always remember to look around, take in the sights and enjoy the moment. The Maine coastline offers beautiful views which evolve depending on whether it is the beginning or end of the season, and the experience can be different depending on who you invite on the ride with you. There is nothing like the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and good company. While COVID has affected us all differently and altered the way we think about life and how we interact with each other and our students, a fundamental truth still exists. Educators do what you do because you were drawn to the work and wanted to make a difference in student’s lives. The connections you make with students fuels your drive and makes even the toughest days more manageable. For educators, it is the journey towards success whatever that may be for any student that makes it all worthwhile.
While there are many more observations to share, I hope these three resonate with you as you begin a new school year. As summer winds down (I refuse to believe that the season is over) and a fall crispness permeates the air, I hope your new school year proves to be the best year yet and that your calling still calls to you despite all the trials and tribulations that you have gone through the past two years. Your resilience has made all the difference to your students and those around you. MEA is proud to support you.
All the best,
Rachelle
