How many “Teacher Influencer” lists are you on?

Today is January 20, 2022.

January 20, 1992, was my first day of teaching as a registered and qualified teacher.

Today is the 30th anniversary of beginning my career as a teacher and it is time I named and thanked those who have influenced me along the way.

Thank you to Mrs. Bradfield, Jodi Nielsen, Susan Middleton, Steven Rogalevs, Robert Smythe, Peter Weier, Jenny Newcombe, Stephen Paech, Shane Altmann, Russel Modlin, Tonia Schmitt, John Ritter, Conrad Mann, Osvaldo Kalabinski, Leeanne Smith, Ginger Jewel, Maddy Hewitt, Lenny de Ruiter, Scott Paulin, Matt Kern, Rasha Daouk, Don Bergman, Kapono Ciotti, Gerald Redd and Katherine Gendy for having your hand on the hammer and chisel in a significant way as the block of marble that is teacher-leader-me has been (and continues to be) shaped and carved and smoothed. You are students and teachers and teacher-leaders and have all contributed to who I am today.

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My journey through eight schools in seven countries over thirty years has caused my world to intersect with some incredible students and incredible educators. Those listed above come to mind as ones from whom I have learned and who have pushed me, either advertantly or inadvertently to become a better teacher, a better teacher leader or just a better person. They, and the hundreds and hundreds of other educators who I am privileged to be able to call colleagues, have influenced the way I teach, the way I interact with students, the way I think about assessment, the way I listen to difficult parents, the way I consider challenging problems, the way I celebrate excellence, the way I consider alternatives and the way I have developed my own philosophy about what it is I do.

Some of those listed above know they are on my list of “Teacher Influencers”. Some of them know because I asked them to influence me. Some of them know because of the hours I’ve spent picking their brain with pointed questions and sharpened tongue. Some would have no idea they have influenced me. Some would be very surprised.

So whose teacher influencer lists are you on?

Who, right now, in celebrating a milestone in their teaching career, would type out your name in the opening “Thank you to…” paragraph? What would they be thankful for? Has your influence been deliberate or accidental? Has it been positive or negative? Did they even realise? Have you told them?

Today, how are you influencing those around you? Who are you learning from and how are you giving back?

How many teacher influencer lists are you on?