A Simple Vision for Education

This was the scene in front of me as I left a baseball game last weekend (Good day for the White Sox. Bad day for the Tigers.)  At first I wasn't making sense of the messages on the t-shirts in front of me.  I think it's because I was looking at the people in isolation.  As I took time to scan the crowd the message took shape. A vision for education that I could relate to was elegantly communicated by this group of youth and adults,

"I inspire. I am the future. I lead. I motivate."  

Imagine the possibilities if the collective identity of a school or a district or a nation fully embraced these perspectives and promises!  As I gear up for a new school year it's tempting to get caught up in the frenzy of getting things done for my own sake and peace of mind. But I think I'll keep this photo close at hand to help me remember what's truly important... students, the caring adults in their lives, and nurturing healthy relationships that bring us closer to realizing this simple vision for education.

Perhaps you'll consider leaving a comment about the message you'd wear on the back of your t-shirt.