“You are who you are, and that's a great thing.”
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What makes an outstanding educator?
Effective education lies in the educator's profound empathy and understanding of the students, the parents, the school district, and the wider community. Only with empathy and understanding can an educator achieve a passion for teaching, continuous growth in content knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to excellence. By cultivating empathy and understanding, educators create inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. Moreover, this empathetic approach enables educators to forge strong partnerships with parents, collaborate with colleagues, and engage meaningfully with the broader community, fostering a collective commitment to student achievement and holistic development.
Music educators have the opportunity to reach students beyond the notes and melodies. They instill in students a belief in themselves and their potential. A passionate teacher sees beyond the limitations students place on themselves and fosters an environment where self-belief flourishes. My teacher would end class by telling us, “You are who you are, and that’s a great thing,” a mantra that resonated deeply with us and became a catalyst for my own self-confidence, personal growth, and eventually my own students’ self-worth as well.
Again, empathy and understanding alone cannot provide a school district with an outstanding educator. However, it is simply impossible for an empathetic and understanding individual not to grow into one. These teachers understand the importance of culture, pedagogy, organization, advocation, community service, and passion because, through empathy, these qualities create a visible impact on the circle around these educators and beyond.
“You are who you are, and that’s a great thing” – Thomas Mooney
