And So...

Discourse around student motivation, and engagement in learning, and its impact on student behavior has long been the dialogue, and research of educational professionals working to better understand the correlation of these components within learning. However, I wonder if it is not time to begin to address these same components as they pertain to teaching?  Is it not equally as important to ask ourselves as educators...."What is my mindset around student motivation, and engagement, and what is the greater impact that it has on behavior towards learning within my classroom, building, district?"  Although I find great value in the research around the interaction of these components with learners, I find equal value in addressing the mindset around these components with teaching...I do not see how the seed of one can grow without the rich soil of the other. These are the "white elephant" conversations that we often are too afraid to address in our teacher professional development, however they can no longer be ignored. I fear that our failure in addressing both sides of this issue further perpetuates a system that fails to "awaken impact" within students. It's worth noting again...a seed cannot grow to it's richest potential unless it is planted in rich soil. So, let's address what rich soil looks like, sounds like, feels like within education. What are we doing to create "rich soil" learning environments for ALL students. Does our motivation, and engagement around this promote a positive and impactful learning environment that promotes successful behavior, deepens self-efficacy, and enriches the mindset that "all students can succeed here...".