Showing Up and Being Seen #ThisIsPT

​Would you dare to allow others to know your true thoughts on tough issues
like equity in education?
 
Would you dare to listen and validate the beliefs of someone who holds a position
opposed to your own?
 
Would you dare to say to that person, “I understand what you’re saying and think you have some good points” when those points may challenge your own beliefs?
 
I know a group of educators at Pecan Trail who dared to do these very things today.  We came together as a staff and engaged in a Philosophical Chairs dialog.  Our topic was whether or not equity in education exists at Pecan Trail.  I was terrified.  What if no one engaged in this conversation, this open expression of beliefs and perspective?  What if no one chose to share what they truly believe?  What if’s raced through my mind. 
 
“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen.  It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think.” ~Brene Brown
 
But I trust these people.  They show up day after day and believe in their calling.  So, we jumped into it and had such an amazing discussion and exchange of ideas about our school.  People shared passionately.  They shared their convictions and perceptions.  They listened and validated.  They engaged.  And, our school community is so much better for it.  Our place of shared responsibility for the environment in which our students learn, discover and grow is so much better for it. 
 
I work with the best and am blessed to learn from them each day. These educators I get to work with are willing to do the hard stuff … to have courage to be vulnerable … to have the hard conversations … to listen and embrace differences.  #ThisIsPT