Coaching Is Coaching (And Teaching Is Teaching)

One podcast that I routinely listen to is Pure Sweat Basketball, and Alan Stein is the host.  His interview on the show today featured an assistant college coach, who said during the interview, "Coaching is coaching."  I've said that myself at times in conversations I've had over my career, but for some particular reason that comment seem to sink in at that particular moment. 

As the 16-17 school year gets closer and closer to its conclusion, it's important for coaches and teachers to remember and CHERISH and BE PROUD of their efforts to try and help their kids get to the next level - whatever level that may be.  Whether a second grade, seventh grade, high school, or post secondary coach or teacher, teachers and coaches sacrifice so much of their hearts, brains, and souls to help their players and coaches.

Coaching is coaching - those moments in that struggle of a junior high basketball season are as valuable as that March Madness Championship by North Carolina.  Teaching is teaching - those moments in that fourth grade classroom in a small rural school district are as valuable as the moments in that Ivy League institution.

You don't have to be "the master teacher" or "the teacher of the year" or someone that keeps a blog or sends out podcasts or speaks at prestigious professional development conferences.  You don't have to be the technology geek, the smartest in your content area, or the teacher with the most excellent ratings.

If you care, and you have once again helped your players or students advance to the next level, you have once again succeeded.  Take pride in what you do because you deserve it.  Finish the year positively with your crew or players or students and plan how you can utilize your break to refresh, recharge, and regenerate your heart, brain, and soul all over again - for there will be a brand new set of players and students needing you in a few months.

JBiz