Yes... I'm Still a Goose!

--from a previous post and dedicated to readers who do not know what to do or what to say about geese--

I asked my husband Bob one time to tell me what kind of bird I resembled. I thought of a hummingbird because it flutters around mesmerizing those who watch. Perhaps a swan, graceful and beautiful.

Nope- no romantic answers from my guy. He said. “Jo- you are a goose!” I was mortified and offended. I immediately began searching for redemptive qualities in geese.

Yep, I am a goose. And I kinda like it.
I lead or I follow, depending on whom I am flying with on any given day.
I fly or I float, depending on the activity or event.

According to my brief yet extensive research, geese are considered to be among the finest and most elegant looking birds that nature has acquainted us with. I like that I found such descriptive words as amicable, loyal, caring, and helpful. These traits with which a goose is identified remind me of the person I aspire to be.

And it gets more interesting. Geese fly together in that giant “V” because it helps each bird fly stronger and with more purpose than it could if it were alone. One goose gets tired, so it rotates back giving another goose the front position. Lifting power in that formation ensures group support for one another. A gaggle of geese cares for one another. If one goose becomes sick or wounded, the group simply will not fly off without it. A few will follow the ailing goose to protect him. The familiar honk we hear is actually encouragement. The loving power of geese is quite impressive.

That’s when I knew Bob was right. I am a goose and it’s all about the honk.

I’m going to honk now- encouragement, love, and support. We teachers are a great big gaggle of geese.

Teachers are a special kind of family because we chose each other. We aren't born into our schools. We don’t have a lifetime of memories and love that build relationships. Nope – we sign up for the job. Literally, we sign contract after contract devoting our time and talents to schools and children, yet we evolve into a family like no kid has ever experienced.

It is not perfect. It IS worth it.

A true teacher will pour out his or her best, emptying all emotional and physical resources into nurturing the potential of each kid in the room. In that idea, teachers who love their jobs are united. Unity is the best thing we have going for us. It is our most precious asset. We must respect talents and strengths that each person brings to our school homes.

We must listen. We are intentional about it, hearing each other intelligently.

We must honor our calling as teachers to remain professional. One of our greatest strengths is that we honor our friendships. We must continue to be loving, caring, and merciful to everyone in this building. How many different ways do we teachers lift one another up, support each other in good and bad times? We do this by reminding each other to find joy and strength in the calling we have chosen. Our words are powerful. For good or bad, whether we intend them to sting or not.

We must teach. And while we are teaching, we will be on guard, diligently watching ourselves so that we don’t forget what we have seen happen when a group of dedicated professionals contribute so much of ourselves into creating a visions for wonderful schools.

I am also thankful for encouragement I receive from my dearest friends and family by my side, across the world, down the hall, in the state next door, or a phone call away. Because in all my years of teaching and living, my greatest moments of happiness at have come from the beautiful relationships I have made... beautiful people flying with me and teaching me how to fly higher and stronger.

Yes, I am still a goose.
And I love it!