Unforgettable Advice

I was given some advice as a beginning teacher 23 years ago.  “Craig, always make an effort to go to every retiring teacher ceremony.”

I will never forget that piece of advice.

As a beginning teacher everything seemed to coming at you at warp speed. Nevertheless, from a professional standpoint it’s most definitely one of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given.  To honour and celebrate a professional’s career and contribution is something that every individual should experience. 

As the years go by, I find myself gaining valuable experience from such events.  To listen to true professionals and in some cases pioneers in their area of expertise passionately discuss their experience and impact over their career is truly a unique experience.  Over the course of my teaching career, I have been asked on a few occasions to speak on behalf of a retiring colleague.   Never in all my years of athletics have I experienced anxiety, nervous energy and the feeling of impending doom as I did preparing for their speeches.  

As an educator at this point of my career, I often reflect on the way that I will be or want to be remembered from my fellow colleagues and more importantly the impact that I have left throughout my teaching and coaching career.  I have witnessed firsthand the impact and longevity of fellow colleagues and often marvel at their successful careers.  To leave your career at the top of your game, no matter if it’s athletics or teaching is a phenomenal way to step away from your passion and in many cases a calling.  

As coaches and educators we are often clouded by the process or routine of the daily grind of our occupation to reflect on our potential impact on others.   Perhaps it’s the broadcaster or journalist coming out in me, but I should have interviewed these professionals in some manner to fully understand their personal sacrifice and dedication to their craft. 

To reflect on the sheer number of students that have been in a retiring teacher’s classroom to the players that they have guided as coaches over the course of their career is a vivid reminder of our potential impact, importance and influence on the youth of our community. 

To leave an impact or a legacy in our profession speaks to the dedication, character, longevity, pride and professionalism of the individual.  As a professional in the field for over two decades now I am truly honoured and indebted to be surrounded by teachers and coaches that have left a lasting impression on me both personally and professionally.

I tell my students that I learn something new every day. I know, here we go again, a teacher preaching about lifelong learning, but I really try to learn something new.

I also tell my students that every interaction you have with people on a daily basis matter.

As teachers we are in the people business, that’s why every interaction really does matter. We can all improve and learn how to reach, connect and communicate with the people around us with more efficiently and effectiveness.

You see that’s the lesson we can learn each and every day.

I’ve learned a lot this year in the classroom and at the rink. I’ve learned a lot about people this year and I’m still learning. Every day I try to learn how to be a better husband, father, teacher, scout, writer, broadcaster and person. We can learn a lot by listening and observing others, we can learn the most when we are receptive.

The way we communicate as teachers can have a massive impact on the lives of our students. As teachers our actions and words have impact both negatively and positively, so we always have to mindful of that.

Every retirement ceremony is a reflective time for me.

Yesterday, I pulled a former player of mine who happens to be a colleague of mine now aside after the ceremony to tell him the unforgettable advice I received two decades ago and to thank him for attending the event. I’m so grateful for all of the advice that I have received over the years from colleagues turned mentors and friends. Those small interactions mattered then and have left a lasting impression on me.

As teachers we are in the people business, and I’m still learning something new every day, that’s one piece of advice I will continue to pass along.