Beyond Expectations

A few years ago, I received a quick reply from Rod Muth, my former adviser and now professor emeritus, that read, "Lots of work to do to make sure future schools really do the work that they should so that all kids learn beyond expectations!"  

Reflecting upon these two words changed the way I understand the profession, and became a driving force and path to clarity in understanding and navigating the complicated world of schooling, education and reform.

beyond expectations

the seed

a letter to my former student

don't rise to meet my expectations

go beyond them

drive past my wildest dreams and wave

on the highway to your destiny

stop only to look through that window

and

figure out how to fly

metaphorically

literally

poetically

fly

I'll let you flap your wings
I'll model how to fly
brush you off when you fall
And I'll watch you learn what you were born to do

go

amaze me

surprise me
teach us all

I'll be observing 

cheering you on

supporting you with the knowledge

 and revealing to you the skills that helped me

and tomorrow

you'll find me

bragging how I knew you then