Navy Seals

It is without question that the dedication of those men selected to be a Navy Seal is peerless.  These men are physically fit, mentally sharp, emotionally mature, and resilient in character.  To be considered for this elite group, candidates go through multiple rounds of  testing that are closely scrutinized.  Only the crème of the crème are selected. Marginal candidates are simply not selected. After being selected, the team endures six months of rigorous and tortuous training. The creed of Navy Seals is five-fold:  (1) Begin each day with a task completed, (2) Find a buddy to help you through each day, (3) Know that life is not fair, (4) Step up when times are toughest, and (5) Never, ever give up.  Think about those for a minute…and then add this one in – Navy Seals put their personal belongings in coffins before they leave for duty.  Now, think about that for a little longer than a minute.  Navy Seals are not only willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for their country, they plan for it.  They are taught to never surrender and that giving your life for your country is part of the duty.  These men are a special group indeed.

How does the above relate to what we do as educators?  First of all, Navy Seals begin the day with a task completed.  To us, that could mean having your activity, your lab, your extension, and your plan ready to go for tomorrow before you leave for the night. It’s the old adage of those who fail to plan, plan to fail.  Navy Seals find a buddy to help them through the day. Now, although you may never go through a day similar to their day, the importance of collaborating with your colleagues is invaluable.  No teacher should ever be an island – use the human resources around you.  Navy Seals know that life is not fair.  It isn’t.  Sometimes, things don’t go as planned.  You don’t run and hide.  You come back with Plan B…or C…or D.  Navy Seals step up when times are the toughest.  So do great teachers.  No one promised that this calling would be easy.  Choose to be a teacher that is at his or her best when the biggest challenges come your way. Never surrender to mediocrity and never give up.