Concentration

The Point:

Educators’ daily lives are extremely eventful.  There are generally lots of things happening simultaneously and/or in extremely rapid succession.  We plan diligently, and then we consistently and repeatedly realize that our best-laid plans are often supplanted by the reality of our work.  The reality of educating young people, communicating with their parents and one another, and adapting to their ever-developing needs, is a down right strenuous and complicated task.  Concentration is a key ingredient in maintaining best practices and realizing positive growth for all involved.

The Story:

My laptop’s dictionary defines concentration as, ”dealing with one particular thing above all others.”  Our “one particular thing” is student achievement.  We could have endless conversations about what that means to each of us, what that means to the students we serve, how that plays out in the classroom, and what we need to be doing in order to accomplish it.   However, I’m comfortable suggesting that when we concentrate on student achievement above all else, the myriad tasks involved in our daily work become easier to deal with in productive ways.  More importantly, that kind of concentration can be really handy in efforts to prioritize, communicate, and minimize stress.  There’s so much to do.  I often hear educators talk about the fact that our work is “non-stop,” and that even when we close up shop each day, it’s not because we’re finished, but rather because we need to go home at some point.  It’s important to remember that every single task we do is one link in a larger, and hugely important chain.   Without clean buildings, consistent discipline, effective communication, healthy food choices, ice packs, band-aids, #2 pencils, working lockers, and a thousand other little things…the big thing – student achievement, doesn’t happen.

The Tools/Strategies:

Committing to a mantra can help busy people stay focused.  Educators have to concentrate on a range of tasks over the course of each day.  Having a singular purpose that can be articulated as a motivator is one way to get excited about each of those tasks.  What could you repeat to keep you going during busy times when you could otherwise become distracted?  I like to remind myself that every task I perform, and interaction I have, is a pathway to learning for my student population, and for me.  I remind myself multiple times each day.  Usually, I simply think it.  Occasionally I verbalize it or write it down.

Get to know how others stay focused on the bottom line.  Talking with colleagues about their strategies for working through the more challenging aspects of the job is extremely helpful in developing my understanding of the job itself.  It typically inspires growth, and almost always perpetuates the development of my concentration skill set.

Dream Big.  Work Hard.  Be Well.