February 4
Teachers believing in their ability to make a difference and students believing in their ability to succeed go hand in hand. It reminds me of the psychological barriers to success that sometimes we put up in our lives and that our students put before them.
I remember several years ago when I was running, I ran into a man in Charlotte named Jim Beatty. Before long we were exchanging stories and then he told me about how he ran the first sub-four-minute mile indoors. Now that is quite an ice breaker. I was enthralled as he talked about his accomplishments and overcoming the psychological barrier of the four-minute mile.
I recall from reading that the athletes had been coming close to this mark but always seemed to be a few seconds short. Time after time they ran a 4:02 or 4:01 but could not break through that sub-4 wall. It came to the point that sports authorities began to believe that sub-4 miles were physically impossible. It just could not be done.
Then Roger Bannister broke the barrier. Suddenly within 18 months, sixteen other athletes broke the sub-four-minute mile. Why? These athletes were no longer held back by their own belief that they could not succeed.
I am not suggesting that simply believing can help our students achieve. All of those athletes who broke the sub -4 barriers also prepared to succeed. They set goals, worked hard, and persevered in spite of many failures. But they all believed and imagined themselves breaking through.
Teacher efficacy often begets student self-efficacy. When we empower our students with this gift we can change their future. Take time to find out what may be holding back you students from their dreams. Then untie them from their self-doubt and watch to see where they will soar.