Why not?

Today, to celebrate my last day of leave before starting the new year of work I.... went to work. This was because a colleague had got Dame Alison Peacock, from the Chartered College of Teaching to come in to speak to some of our teaching students. I have been a member of the College since it began and have had an article published in their practitioner journal, Impact.

Alison spoke about many things; recollections from her days teaching in primary school and as a head teacher, her research into 'learning without limits' and the aim and purpose of the CCT as a whole.  I have made many notes as there are a number of points she made which resonated with me and probably will be a topic for a blog post in the near future. However, the last two words written in my notes are simply 'Why not?'

This was a phrase I actually had started to live my life by a while ago- I was living in London and wanted to make the most of the opportunity whilst I still could (I was applying for jobs back home in Gloucestershire and thought I should make the most of the 'London experience' as I knew I would not be going back- at least- I don't plan to currently).  So, for a year or so if someone asked me if I wanted to do something, or I fancied doing something but was unsure I would ask myself 'Why not?'. If there were no good reasons then that's what I would do- it led to some great adventures as well as being the reason I will be celebrating a 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend this weekend.

Now, a few years on listening to Alison I was reminded of that attitude and considered how it would still be suitable to apply to my life today and teaching in general.  I meet and work with many teachers both new to the profession and those with more experience.  The ones which stand out to me and which, in my experience in schools, make the biggest difference are the ones which approach their practice in a positive and developmental way.  The ability to continually reflect and adapt your practice is one which is essential in teaching, and those willing to take risks and try new ideas are often those who not only improve more quickly but also engage students more as they are continually evolving.

Many times I have heard colleagues talk about new teachers 'thinking they are going to change to world' as if it is a negative thing. If no one tries to change the world the world will never change! I believe that it is the excitement and passion which these people bring to their job which make them successful, and this positive outlook can be passed on to the students they teach encouraging them to achieve more than they may have otherwise. Much research has been done on positive mindset and the power of positive thinking but if we keep it simple and simply ask ourselves 'Why not?' we are all able to maintain that energy and enthusiasm we had at the start of our careers for years to come.