Timeout, Coach

Timeouts. Just about every sport has them. They are used in a variety of ways. Whether to slow down the pace of play, allow players to regroup, to get another player into the game or even to freeze the opponent, timeouts are a crucial part of competition. Timeouts will always be a part of the game.

In fact, they have been known to win, or lose, some of the most amazing sporting moments (movies included) of all times. Here is one of the classic timeouts (speeches) in sports movie history. Please forgive a few moments of language. The message though, is coaching (and use of a timeout) at its finest.

Our work in education needs timeouts as well. We work tirelessly as teachers and administrators. Each of us are constantly on our game in the hopes of achieving all that we can day in and day out. Granted we are not in a game that we are trying to "win", we are however, trying to ensure some of the greatest teaching and learning of all time. Consider it our own victory of sorts.

Therefore, take a timeout when the situation calls for one. Whether you are working with your students, supporting your teachers in professional development or leading a district, there are times that you need the same opportunities as the athletes are provided on the court or on the field.

Timeouts are great for:

• Reflection of a situation that needs thought before responding.
• Regrouping from a lesson gone awry.
• Supporting others in time of confusion and loss of clarity.
• When you simply believe that life in general is moving too fast.

The writing of this blog is my own personal timeout. I afforded myself a few moments to take a break and step back. My work and aspects of it have been moving at lightning speed. I was losing my ability to think clearly and guide unconditionally. And, I do not see this timeout as a sign of weakness or fear of losing. Just the opposite in fact. Instead, I will go back into the game ready to finish what I started. Even though there is no clock that will read "zeros" or a score that shows winners or losers, it is my hope that those that I work with will be able to see and feel the energy and passion I come back with after taking pause and reflection in what I do.

My timeout was only a few moments. But the impact will last well beyond. Game on.

On Empty? Fuel Up.

Recently, my tank has been running low. My topics are few and far between. I am struggling with practicing what I preach. Routine has taken over.

Until now.

Pulling my staff together the other day, I shared with them my take on where we are as educators at this time of the year. With one quarter to go, this is crunch time. Testing, grades, content that needs to be covered and expectations continue to grow. We all know that there is much to be done before the end of the year.

Working through that list of work to do, we know that we still have the same number of minutes in an hour and the same number of hours in the day. The days seem to be getting shorter, not longer, as the calendar suggests. Time, as always, is working against us.

Regardless of the obstacle of time, we move forward. And, during this time together, I reflected on where we had begun months ago. I felt the need to remind them of this journey. We had introduced Teach Like a Pirate by Dave and Shelly Burgess. We have had some inspiring and uplifting conversations about passions. That led to sharing Rules of the Red Rubber Ball by Kevin Carrol. To start the year we talked about our goals, our dreams and our ambitions for the year ahead. Our conversation then, and my sharing with them on this day, were becoming one in the same.

And then, it clicked.

I quickly realized that the fuel that was needed was as simple as the conversations that had just occurred. What I needed most was the people that I get to work with each day. It was my colleagues that would provide me the charge. They were the fuel. Being a part of the conversation I learned this:

Don't overlook the obvious.

Recognize the little things.

Celebrations should happen daily.

Greatness happens constantly.

Inspiration is discovered.

Create your own story.

Dance at every opportunity.

Smile.

Lean on others when you need them. Let them lean on you.

Listen to each other.

Be brave.

Take risks.

Laugh.

I am fueled up for the remaining weeks of this year and beyond. I am eager to see what is yet to be done. I am inspired, and the tank is full. May your final quarter of your year be as rewarding as the first. Finish strong for your student's and each other and most importantly, for yourself.