When an educator faces “the reckoning” of his or her career, the measurement tally of impact and success will include the following:

• names & faces
• families
• stories
• laughter
• tears
• inspiration
• anger
• disappointment
• hope
• exhaustion
• energy
• creativity
• sacrifice
• community
• collaboration
• preparation
• growth
• trust
• meaningful learning
• relevant resources
• transcendent pedagogy

It will not include:

• test scores
• targeted standards charts
• labels
• pacing guides
• textbooks
• mandates
• trends
• bottom lines
• political interests

Educators sow the seeds to bear good fruit. They do not plant for the sake of maximizing harvest.