Possibilities

“The future belongs to people who see possibilities before they become obvious.” -Ted Levitt

Educators at all levels are those who see the possibilities. We see the success in students who often do not see it in themselves. We see the possibilities – the strengths and potential. Does that mean the future belongs to us? I’m not sure about that, but I do believe educators are crucial in the nurturing of those to whom the future does belong.

I had planned an article with some funny signs of summer – like the volume on teachers’ cell phones turned up full blast after a year of silent ringers. However, I saw this quote and received some disappointing news of my own. So here I am, reminding myself and sharing with you the idea that we should always look for the possibilities.

As a scholar, I am usually hip deep in research and statistics. I look for trends and gaps in research. I ask questions and seek to find the answers. As a teacher, I look for possibilities. As any educator can tell you, we see opportunities for learning in everything. Ask the spouse of an educator and he (or she) will tell you that nothing is safe from the statement, “Oh! I could use that in my classroom for (fill in the blank).” Flea markets, garage sales, grocery shopping, surfing the ‘net – all have contributed to inspiration to every educator at some point. We see learning moments in simple things. Driving down the road we want to know what that historical marker says, why is the town named that, where does this road lead us? As one teacher shared with me, our own children ask us, “Please, can you not be a teacher for just one day?”

We just can’t help it. Teaching is not a mere job – it is a calling. Nobody goes into teaching and stays there for any length of time unless they believe in what they do.

My studies in educational technology have shown me there is so much more out there than I knew. I have found resource upon resource and work to think of ways to implement those ideas. So many possibilities…so little time!

Is the future ours?  I think a piece of it is ours….as we work to teach our children to be thinkers, creators, learners, problem solvers, collaborators, and inventors we are seeing our future before us. Those eyes that gaze at us questioningly, challengingly, hopefully, stubbornly are also the eyes that will see the future. Anyone working with kids (at any age) is part of this process – parents, administrators, teachers, college professors,  preachers, youth ministers, police officers – and so many more I don’t have room to list.

Regardless of what I do or where I am, I know that I am a member of an elite group of people. I am a teacher. I am a parent. The future belongs to our children and I am excited to see where they will take us!

Oh, the possibilities are limitless….

Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Walden University. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6^th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 15 years. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!