Outside The Curriculum

"You are to stay inside your academics." These were the words of my Principal when I was questioned why I was having after school "book studies" with my students. I was baffled and broken hearted. I was recommending and reviewing the life changing books that helped me thrive in 30 years of entrepreneurship. "Think and Grow Rich", "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", "The Four Agreements", and others were on my list. These books had nothing to do with my curriculum but everything to do with expanding student's mindsets.

Learning, trust, creative problem solving, and conquering fears is taught through masterminding and experience sharing regardless of age, circumstance, or title. The biggest inspirations in my life – my favorite teachers – changed my life by going outside their boundaries. They shared a vulnerability, a story, a nugget of wisdom, and a relatable experience that helped me reach higher. They let me know I was heard, they cared, and that I could overcome my challenges.

In today's world, our most dedicated teachers are working in a culture of scarcity and fear. The fear of what might go wrong overshadows opportunities to be courageous and bold trying something that could go right. This culture is preventing progress in public education and why our institutions are falling behind. Too many school administrators have dedicate their lives to protect their positions and the status quo of a failing system rather than opening possibilities of pushing it forward. The fear of failure is greater than the risk of success.

This movement is a reminder that dedicated teachers need to stretch outside the curriculum to reach students. They need to share ideas and concepts that sometimes are controversial. They need to allow students to discover different ideologies, different processes, and be given the tools to determine what works for their own set of values and circumstances. The best learning happens outside the curriculum, where true caring, compassion and love are the guiding stars of our journey.

Please share a nugget of wisdom from your teacher with us so that we may honor that soul who was courageous enough to go Outside the Curriculum.

"You never fail, you will either succeed or you will learn."

I was taking AP Chemistry my senior year and struggling. I was afraid a failing grade might jeopardize my admission to college. I asked my teacher about that. She said something that stuck with me to this day. "You never fail, you will either succeed or you will learn." She promised me that if I gave the class an honest effort for second semester and took the AP test, she wouldn't give me anything less than a C. I ended up placing out of first year college Chemistry.
- RB
Mrs. Schmitt, Senior Year AP Chemistry