RCA – A Valued Experience

I could elaborate about each of these Top 10 and still never scratch the surface when it comes to describing the culture of this school. It's something that must be felt. In fact, I'm not sure there are enough words in the dictionary to explain it. That is often the line I give when attempting to describe the Teach Like a PIRATE keynote by Dave Burgess. You just can't accurately pen that type of feeling. 

However, while I was lying in my bed at the hotel this past weekend, I began to watch the TedTalk channel. (YES! Marriott now offers an uninterrupted TedTalk channel on TV, and it might make me a "TV-watcher" after all.) An episode came on by Casey Brown on knowing your worth--your value. Wow! She was discussing this concept in a professional setting for being paid what you are worth, but as I listened, it sparked an idea.

• Do I know my value? Do I feel valued?
• Do those I serve know their value? Do they feel valued?

The more I pondered those questions, the more it became clear why Ron Clark Academy stood out to me. The teaching staff of 12 (maybe 13) work their tails OFF! It is ALL hands on deck--always! (Even Ron and Kim teach every single day.)  Being a guest of the co-founder of RCA, I was able to see the before and after school activity and learn a lot about how the logistics of this incredible institution runs on a day to day basis. The staff works tirelessly to create experiences for their students, but they recognize what each other brings to the table. They work about 10 to 11 hours per day, yet they celebrate one another openly, coach teams, cover duties, work around schedules to accommodate special projects (their schedule is flexible every single day) and they genuinely love each other. It feels like a real family there. Not this "love on each other at the staff meeting" and back-bite their colleagues while walking back to class. They truly respect the individual value of each other. This is one of those things you would need to feel because it seems unbelievable in writing. I will confess, until visiting this school, I've never felt a staff culture like that--ever. 

As I watched the RCA students interact, you couldn't help but love them. During the middle of class when a student would get an answer correct or share a thought, the rest of the class (collectively) would celebrate that student with a cheer or chant--without prompting from the teacher. If the students were struggling, the others would rally around them and cheer them on, as well. It was the norm to see these middle schoolers celebrating each other in the hallway and during lunch. No one told them--in fact--their teachers were nowhere around. They recognized each other's value and openly exalted it for onlookers to see. It wasn't rehearsed or planned; it was honest and captivating. They also did this after-school when no guests were around to see. (I realize some people might not like that type of public attention, but it seemed welcomed among the students of RCA. Besides, I'd much prefer others celebrating me openly to my peers than tearing me down to them privately. Sadly, the latter is much more common in the world I've experienced.)

Not only did the students celebrate each other, but they also were not afraid to command a room of adults and answer questions confidently. Why? Because, they were trained to do so, but also, because they understood their worth. They knew they were a valuable piece of this community and they wanted to contribute their part--and did so with assurance. Even the visitors could feel this sense of belonging within the Ron Clark Academy--especially when we all received our "house." That will have to be explained in another post. Four words to keep you curious--Isibindi-Courage-Bravery-Me!

I don't know the answers, and I'm sure it is much more elaborate than what I'm about to explain. But, based on what I witnessed, somewhere near the core of this culture, everyone (the staff, students and community) feels a sense of value. Feeling valued and believing others recognize your worth is powerful beyond words or monetary compensation for that matter. Humans will move mountains when they feel genuinely appreciated and acknowledged for their contributions--strengths, talents, abilities, etc.

• Do you know your value?
• Do those that serve you recognize and appreciate your worth?
• Do those I serve know their value? Do they feel valued?

It begins with knowing your value. What are you worth? Scary question. But, be honest. We are educators, and we work hard!

Lately, I've been delivering the REAL + Innovators' Compass Workshop to educators around the world. (The idea of the compass was inspired by Ela Ben-Ur).  During these sessions, I've noticed something powerful about writing things down! So, I tried the two activities below to paint a clearer picture of my current reality regarding this topic. If you try it, please do share your thoughts. 

Activity 1:

Create a three-column piece of paper.

For REAL--what talents, strengths, experiences, etc. do you deliver to those you serve every single day? Write them down in the first column.

How does each benefit them (those your serve) and the company or your program? Write this down in the second column. 

That's just the tip of the iceberg for what you're worth, but that begins to define your value. Now for the real question, do you feel valued? Why or why not? Write it down in the last column.

Granted this is simply your perspective, but many times the way we think feels very REAL. So, now that you know your worth let's get REAL up in here and consider those we serve.

Activity 2:

Create another three-column piece of paper.

List groups of people you serve in the far left column.

In the next column, list the values they bring to the team/company.

Last, answer the question, "How do I make them feel worth their value?" If you can't think of any, grab another pen color and begin jotting down what you will do differently to create that feeling of worth amongst your people. Also, how will you stay consistant?

Both activities squeezed my heart, but I'm not going to lie, activity two stung more than the first one. We must be mindful to celebrate the value and worth of those around us, especially if we hope to have this action reciprocated. Noticing others and honoring them is at the core of cultures you can feel and not pen in words. It's indescribable, and I believe this type of action is what brings light to the world. 

During the RCA training, I heard many times, "The magic ingredient is consistency." Not only were they consistent in their discipline and dynamic delivery of instruction, but they consistently celebrated one another. When I think of RCA, I think of a CULTURE every human deserves to experience. Thank you, Ron, Kim and your staff, for the EDU-conviction I felt during my stay. I now see what "could be" in our EDU-system and will do my part to "Be the Revolution."