Finding Our Superpowers

For me, one of the true joys of being an educator was the ability to connect students to employers, people, books, movies, and more that enhanced their interests or solved their problems. 

One example: When a student shared their interest in becoming a real estate mogul, I called a realtor I knew to sit down with that student one-on-one and explain how that student could make that happen. When a student lamented that there was no reason to learn about how our government works because—they felt—we, as citizens, had no power, I called on a state representative who came and visited the class, creating a memorable learning experience. 

From authors of books we read, to journalists and photographers, from United Nations employees to teachers in China, bringing the world outside of my school’s walls to them, expanding my students’ perception of the world and their future in it, was my superpower. 

And it should be yours. If you are in a classroom, real world connection should be your goal. Bring in the experts beyond yourself. It has never been easier, thanks to technology. Allow your students to see, feel, and experience the world outside of your classroom and their textbooks. The added bonus of connecting them with these experts is that it establishes your role as someone who is listening, caring, and recognizing them as individuals, more than a name on a seating chart. 

Let me help you make those connections with your students — connections that will expand their world and strengthen your role as a true educator, a connector.