Starting a journey of discovery

https://www.wallpaperflare.com/united-states-flagstaff-19999-us-180-journey-destination-wallpaper-efsig

My name is Douglas McCall and I am and educator. I cannot remember a time when I did not derive enjoyment from teaching others. Whether it was my friends, co-workers, or students, I loved helping some learn to do or think something new. I have spent over 20 years in the K-12 space as a teacher, the better part of two decades in academia as a student (earning 4 degrees) and the past year as a professor teaching future teachers. I have maintained a private vocal/piano studio on and off for my entire adult life. I have been a community and church choir director on more than one occasion allowing me to teach adults too. As far as education goes, I am a "lifer."

However, that does not mean that road has been easy, or always positive. There were many days (too many to mention) that I wanted to throw in the towel and do something else, anything else. I contemplated switching careers to truck driving, fast food management, corporate L&D, instructional design, education tech sales, and others I have forgotten. I have lost my way many times. I have found the journey daunting. I have wanted to take a different path.

But here I am...still teaching...still in education...and still happy for the most part.

This, as near as I can tell is completely normal. It is like marriage in that way. I have also been married for over 20 years and, as any other person who has been married a while can tell you, it is not all sunshine and roses. It is hard work! But it I still love my wife and still cherish every day with her. And despite all of the challenge, success, and failures, I still want to be married and I am still committed to make it work.

And so it goes with teaching. I have lots of challenges, successes and failure, but I am still committed to making that work. Because I love teaching. It is a core part of who I am. It is an integral facet of my identity.

Identity is a powerful motivator. When we are doing something that aligns with one or more facets of our identity, we enjoy it more. We feel more in tune. We are more able to find, as Csikszentmihalyi suggests, a state of "flow." The successes are sweeter and we are better able to navigate the challenges and setbacks.

However, when we are doing something that is not in alignment with our identity, it makes it so much more difficult. We don't feel those successes, even when we may have them. When something is difficult, we are for less likely to persevere. It is the reason why I failed three sections of music history with EVERY professor that taught it at Crane so many years ago (my sincerest apologies to wonderful teachers who put up with me!). I never saw a connection of music history to my identity as a music teacher (don't worry Drs. Popiel, Case, Busch, and I think there was another, I have since realized the importance of music history to what I do!) so when the subject matter got hard, I retreated.

So what does this mean for educators. So often, the reason teachers burnout (which is one form of identity crisis) is not because they no longer love teaching. It is because all of the things they have to do and endure while they are teaching that clouds their ability to connect to the reasons they became teachers. They have lost their way. As their connection to their identity become more tenuous, they feel the effects of burnout stronger. Left unattended, eventually they will leave teaching altogether. These once passionate and vibrant teachers leave the profession and take their expertise and creativity with them. And it doesn't have to be that way.

Yes, teaching is hard. Students (kids or adults) can be trying on their best days. Parents (while very well-meaning for the most part) can put obstacles in the way. Administrators (also usually well-meaning) can place unfair demands. All of these things have NOTHING to do with teaching, but make it very hard to get to the place where you actually get to teach.

Where is this all going? You might be asking yourself this if you are still reading. The title of this post and my goal here at Identity Evolution Coaching, is "Starting a Journey of Discovery." I believe that whenever you feel like you are burning out (I am referring to teaching, but this could mean anything where you are losing your passion), it is time to discover why you were drawn to that activity to begin with. You need to rekindle the passion you once had and unleash your potential for finding the activity meaningful again. Through discovering and unleashing you will be able to evolve into the teacher you are meant to become.

It is my goal, through this blog, to share insights into my journey, offer suggestions and research that might help your journey, and provide you with guidance as you move forward and figure out where you are going, instead of dwelling on where you have been.

Please feel free to comment. I value your unique insight into my words.

If you feel the need for some one-on-one coaching as your embark on your journey, please reach out and schedule a session with me.