From Collecting Dots to Connecting Hearts: A Call to Finita Teachers

Hola Finita Teachers, 

Pull up a chair, let your heart, head, and hands gather around, because today we're diving into something that's been tugging at my heartstrings. We're all wrapped up in the whirlwind of teaching, tending to our students' needs with passion and dedication. But let's take a moment to explore what our own hearts, minds, and hands need to truly thrive in this journey.

You know, the internet has this magical way of connecting people across the globe, and we teachers are no exception. It's like a vast rabbit hole where we share ideas, exchange experiences, and find solace in the camaraderie of fellow educators. Think about platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers—they're like treasure troves of creativity, brimming with resources from educators who've walked the same path. Yet do these types of platforms offer collections or connections? 

Now, let's rewind a bit. Picture yourself tuning into a podcast by the brilliant Seth Godin. You know, that author whose books have a way of shifting culture. He was contemplating a question that's simple yet profound: "What is school for?" As I listened, I felt like he was unlocking secrets that had been right in front of us all along. He took us on a journey through the history of education, unraveling how schools have evolved—or devolved.

Here's where it gets intriguing: Seth talked about how we're teaching students to collect dots rather than connect them. School has turned into this place where we dissect knowledge into subjects, neatly boxed with grades as labels. We're so caught up in the mechanics of education that we might be missing the essence of it all. And guess what? I had an epiphany—aren't we, as teachers, often doing the same?

In the whirlwind of standards, lesson plans, and meetings, we're in a race against time to ensure our students hit their targets. But where's the space for them to step back, connect the dots, and see the bigger picture? Here's the twist: where's the time for us to do the same? We're chasing after dots—assessments, deadlines, responsibilities—without truly connecting them.

You've probably experienced those "Aha!" moments when concepts click together unexpectedly. It's like puzzle pieces falling into place, revealing the whole picture. Kind of like the TikTok videos on “I was this old when I learned that…” Our students deserve those moments too, but it's hard to guide them there when we're missing out on them ourselves.

So, here's the burning question: What's the true purpose of teaching? Are we simply collecting dots, or are we weaving them together into meaningful connections? Are we absorbed in the minutiae of day-to-day lessons, or are we painting a masterpiece of learning? It's a challenge, no doubt, especially when the educational landscape keeps shifting.

But here's the exciting part: just as the internet unites us, we can channel that spirit of connection into our own growth. Imagine a community where we swap stories, inspire each other, and collaborate on breakthroughs. Imagine being the bridge that links subjects, just as we encourage our students to bridge ideas. The reality is, when we connect our own dots, we transform into better educators, mentors, and lifelong learners.

So, dear dot-collector-turned-dot-connector, let's embark on this journey together. Let's dedicate time to connect our dots, nurture our growth, and become the educators we're meant to be. And here's the cherry on top: let's invite you to join Finita Teachers, a community that's all about moving beyond mere collection and diving into meaningful connections.

How can we guide our students to connect dots when we haven't connected our own? It's time to be the role models, the trailblazers who show the way. Let's bring together our hearts, heads, and hands, let's inspire each other, and let's lead by example. Together, we can create an educational revolution—one where hearts are connected, minds are expanded, and hands are united in the pursuit of genuine learning.

Join us, let's start connecting ❤️ hearts, and let's make the dots dance with meaning.

Click here to listen to the podcast by Seth Godin titled: Stop Stealing Dreams. Happy Listening!

Smiles,

Nicole