Path 9 in my new book Teaching in Magenta is about Venerating a Veteran. I’m going to read Path 9:

One negative aspect of aging is the feeling that you’re losing relevance. I’m fortunate in that younger teachers sometimes reach out to me for guidance. When they do, it makes me feel awesome. I try to give them solid advice, and many are grateful. What they don’t realize is how energizing it is for me when they ask. Today, seek out an older colleague and pay them a compliment or ask for advice. You’ll be doing them (and you) a great service, and they just may give you a wonderful suggestion. 

Today’s episode is in the spirit of Path 9. Recent episodes that I’ve produced about specific paths in my book have been short. This one, is an exception. This is an extensive conversation with Pennsylvania teaching and coaching legend David Crowell. So–while I’m certainly venerating a veteran, we delve into the provocative topic of motivation. How can educators motivate students? Because this topic is so rich and important, we went on for a bit. 

I learned about Coach Crowell from my friend the innovative instructional coach Michael Brilla. Michael has been a guest on this podcast twice and like a lot of my guests, we’ve become friends. Michael predicted that Coach Crowell and I would hit it off. He was right! There was only one divergence, however. Coach is more nostalgic than me. But other than that, I found myself doing a lot of head-nodding as I listened to David stress the transformational potential of relationships. 

While David has retired from the classroom, he’s still coaching wrestling, and is a frequent presenter with the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Episode Template:

The Problem:

Veteran educators are an untapped resource.

Solution:

Reach out to a veteran educator in your building. Present a problem and ask for help.

You may just get a great solution. Regardless of whether you utilize what your seasoned colleague suggests, the mere request itself will be a bonding experience that will benefit you both.   

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