Thriving Even in the Cracks

“Bloom where you’re planted.”

Ever heard that one? This time of year, teachers are finding out if they’re being moved to a different grade or school. Depending on your mindset, you can look at that news one of two ways: the end or the beginning. Or, if you’re like me, you might call it the barrier—or better yet, the opportunity.

Anytime we move through that uncomfortable stage of disequilibrium, we’re growing! Isn’t that exactly what we want our students to experience? We want them to feel challenged—but with just the right amount of support. The funny thing about support is it’s personal. What I call support might feel overwhelming—or even unhelpful—to someone else.

Let’s talk about plants. I saw this one today—just sitting there, blooming its heart out in a spot it probably had no business thriving in. And it got me thinking, late-Lee. Plants, much like people, need a few basic things to grow: nutrients, water, and sunlight. Sometimes they’re lucky enough to be tended by a loving hand who chats with them like they’re family. And sometimes, they figure out how to bloom in the most unlikely of places.

Now, this isn’t just about school. As leaders, we’re planning ahead, trying to match teachers with the needs of students and the bigger instructional picture. But we also have to think about what support looks like for our teachers. Are we checking in? Are we listening? Or are we just expecting them to figure it out and bloom no matter what?

And honestly, it’s the same in life too. Late-Lee I’ve been grappling with tough decisions. These decisions have left me feeling like I was stuck somewhere unfamiliar and maybe even a little uncomfortable. But in those moments…that’s when I was growing. Just like that little plant pushing through the cracks in the sidewalk.

Here’s my thought: let’s be the kind of leaders—and people—who take time to tend to others. Let’s offer the sunlight, the water, and the breathing room they need so they can bloom where they’re planted and help their students (and themselves) do the same.

After all, if a scrappy little plant can bloom in the most unexpected places, late-Lee, so can we. So let’s roll up our sleeves, grab a watering can (or a glass of sweet tea), and get to tending. Let’s make it a good season.