I remember when I was first introduced to the concept of Growth Mindset, developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. It came during a summer training session and it was such an “ah-ha” moment! I absolutely loved the terminology, the theory and the conversations it elicited! Introducing “Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset” to my students was a game changer! It changed the dynamics of the classroom, and by the end the year, I really felt my kids had adopted the belief of being open to growth.
Now, applying this same philosophy to my own life was a bit different. If you’ve followed my journey over the past year at all, you may remember that I have struggled with what to do with myself after retirement. I battled with the idea that because I was “just a teacher,” I wasn’t qualified to do anything else! It took a lot of soul searching and conversations with others before I pulled myself out of that fixed mindset of “just a teacher.”
I recently began working with Defined Learning (formerly Defined Stem), an edtech company that focuses on providing educators with the tools to implement and engage learners with real world project based learning. I had used this product as a classroom teacher, and loved what it offered! I was in awe of the PBL choices offered. I never dreamed myself capable of writing anything like that on my own! Little did I know then……
Fast forward to January 2021. I connected with Dave Reese, Chief Academic Officer of Defined Learning. He asked me if I would be interested in designing some PBL tasks! While I jumped at the opportunity, I did question whether I had the skills to do so. I mean, I’d never done anything that “big” on my own, and worried that I would fall flat. However, how could I pass up the opportunity.
I had to give myself a pep talk: “I could learn to do anything I set my mind to. I can study models and look for commonalities. I can develop my own skills and ask for support and advice. I can be creative.”
I’m happy to report that with support and guidance from my employer, I succeeded. I am now working on my fourth PBL, and am working on other projects as well.
As a transitioning teacher, it is easy to feel like that is all you can do. You have to release yourself from that fixed mindset of “just a teacher.” Recognize all that you are and all that you can be. Change that mindset to one of growth and success!
As always, I encourage your to join a community of others who are making that same transition. You are not alone nor do you have to do this alone! (Another mindset to change: I’m no longer in this by myself, but I can lean on a community of others who will support me along the way!)
More than a Teacher 