First things first... Welcome! We're so glad you're here.
Now... Let's get something straight: FlockStars > Rock Stars Hear us out, here. All of the best rock stars are ONE person - Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Elton John. Don't get us wrong, We LOVE Taylor, Justin, and Sir Elton, but they would NOT be where they are today without their people; their flock. THAT is the key to being a FlockStar Teacher. FlockStars know it takes a flock, a tribe, to make YOU amazing. You are great alone, but DANG! the things you can do with a flock!
How did we become FlockStars? Good question!
Our journeys to "Flockin' It" were filled with challenges and triumphs we each had to experience to get us to FlockStar Status. Early in Robyn's teaching career, she was placed on an island - if you will - as the sole complex needs teacher. She didn't feel qualified or confident, but after years of learning, growing, and leaning on others, she landed in a first grade classroom. She would never trade the knowledge and experience gained during those years, even if they were some of the hardest years of her career. Kaysin on the other hand, had been on extremely successful sports teams her whole life; teaching would be the same, right?! Wrong. After a few years of classroom teaching experience, Kaysin was moved into an intervention position. It was tough to say the least. Again, the knowledge and experience gained was priceless.
Thankfully, we had these experiences early in our careers, and quickly learned teaching is not something you can do alone. We had many after school therapy sessions with each other - one that included scrubbing poop off of a wall (this is a true story). We learned to celebrate each other's success and be a support for the tough days. We have literally laughed until we cried together and cried until we laughed. But at the end of the day, you have to have people in your corner, reminding you that you rock.
So are you ready to become a FLOCKSTAR TEACHER, too? I thought so. Here's our TOP THREE ways to be a FlockStar Teacher:
1) Take chances -
Hello! This is wayyyy out of our comfort zones. Blogging? Who cares what we have to say? When we first starting talking about this, we talked ourselves out of it a dozen times. What if one of our teacher friends sees it? What if NO ONE reads it? What do we have to offer? But guys... GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY. Do not let fear of failing keep you from trying! We know and you know, teachers do amazing things every day. Why not share it with the world? So... here we are: flockin' it!
2) Build Your Flock -
Seriously. This is the most important thing you will do. You've heard the phrase "Your vibe is your tribe," right? We believe that to be true, but we also believe teachers are like flamingos: they find safety in numbers. Flamingos, like teachers, do not do well in small flocks. You can't do it alone. You can't teach, grow, learn, adapt, or cope without a flock. We (Robyn & Kaysin) are part of a huge flock of people that make us better. We agree, disagree, and feel safe to take chances with our flock. Find your flock and love them hard. Look high and low - in your school, across town, or in a virtual world. Find the people that will push you to GET YOUR FEET WET (get it?!).
3) Be a Goal Getter
You cannot be a FlockStar Teacher if you are happy being mediocre. Sorry... you're part of the flock, so we have to be real. Set goals and freaking exceed them! Start small - set a goal for a day, a week - then move on to BIG goals. It is going to be hard and uncomfortable at times. That's how you know you are doing it right! We are both National Board Certified Teachers. Someone in our flock started the journey, and relentlessly encouraged us to do the same. We caved, and almost immediately regretted it. Man... it was HARD. But, we trusted our flock to support us, and it was SUCH a rewarding goal to achieve. And, surprise! Our flock threw us a freaking party. A literal party at school to celebrate US.
Find your flock, take chances, and get those goals!
