Survivor: The Classroom

Aug 18, 2024

Up for a new adventure? I’m thinking about pitching a new reality television series: Survivor: The Classroom. Contestants are divided into tribes, and then placed in classrooms abounding with students struggling with cognitive and behavioral challenges. With minimal supplies, hit-or-miss bathroom and lunch breaks, and sporadic support from outside resources, participants compete to educate and enlighten the students with whom they are charged to serve.

Although contestants are regularly ranked by standardized assessments, the real judges are the students. Each week participants are voted out of their respective classrooms until one contestant remains and is crowned the winner. “And what special prize do I receive if I win?” you ask. You get a whole new crop of kids with even more challenges the following year – because you are so good at what you do.

Face it; most educators have been living this reality series for years.

The lesson? As we begin a new school year, find your tribe. Seek out the people who give you the most strength, support, and joy. You know who they are. You laugh with these individuals; you cry with these individuals. And sometimes you just look at them and shake your heads because there are no words to describe the experience.

There is strength in numbers, so group up and work together. I’m confident you’ll be much better equipped to both survive and enjoy this new yearlong journey if you do. I also suggest you forward this post to your tribe. They probably already know how much they mean to you, but it sure is nice to be reminded once in a while.

PS – If you haven’t read The Goose Story, Google it. It is a great summary of the importance of finding your tribe.

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