Through the Eyes of Others

It’s a rare gift to be able to see yourself on occasion through the eyes of others, and recently EDS has experienced that privilege. Over the past several weeks we have had talented, experienced educators with both public and private school backgrounds spend significant time on campus. We organize extensive visits for candidates for teaching and administrative positions because we want to get a full picture of them in a variety of contexts and with different constituencies, but also because we want them to get a full and honest picture of who we are. I meet with candidates at the end of their time with us in part to gather their reflections. Now, of course, in these sessions one wouldn’t expect an applicant to be overly critical, but you might expect only vague or general niceties from someone unimpressed. In our case these educators’ responses have been unusually specific, detailed, and – most interestingly – consistent from candidate to candidate. As I sat in meeting after meeting listening to how these folks have experienced and observed us, I kept thinking, “Oh how I wish the faculty could hear this” or “I wish our parents could be in this room right now.” It finally occurred to me that I could review my notes and offer some notable quotes from these meetings.

Most remarkable was the consistency with which nearly every candidate opened his or her observations. Every one started with something like, “This is an incredibly warm, loving environment.” They also noted the friendly, collegial nature of the faculty, and how happy the students seem. Many remarked with some surprise at how welcoming the students are, often initiating conversation, looking them in the eye, shaking their hands, etc. And they noted that the school is child-centric, oriented around the needs and well being of students.

In addition to these broad observations about the school climate they universally made, below are just some of the individual observations I collected from them:

“I observed some really fine teaching.”

“I’m really impressed with the way everyone works together and the climate of respect – for each other and for the students.”

“The website was extremely helpful and informative, and the school matches the image presented there.”

“The curriculum is impressive.”

“I really enjoyed the students; they were so engaging, and they really love their school.”

“I’m impressed by the vision for the future that people have for the school.”

“The most important thing to me in my search is the climate and culture of the school, and EDS has exactly the ‘feel’ I am looking for.”

“These teachers really know their stuff AND know the kids. It was fun to watch.”

“I can see why good teachers would want to stay here.”

“They are working hard and having fun. That’s a great balance.”

“I could see the Holy Spirit at work here – and not just in chapel but throughout the school.”

"Your third grade has a tea that honors Shakespeare? That's very, very cool. You do things here that are simply wonderful!"

Sometimes we forget or take for granted what an unusually special place this is in which to study, learn, work, play, pray and be. I invite you to step back and see us through the eyes of educators who collectively have been in a vast array of schools around the area and country and who rather quickly picked up on our strong identity, clear mission, and special culture.

Were you paying attention?

Wherever you were last week, I hope you took time to notice the remarkable story of Bubba Watson, the wonder of Spring’s rejuvenation of nature, and most of all the mystery and miracle of Easter. All around us the story of hope was resounding; the reality of rebirth was flowering; and we were reminded once again that there are forces much greater than ourselves at play.

So often – especially as parents – we get hyper-focused on our little world and the daily ups and downs.  We too quickly lose perspective. We blow small things out of proportion. Most importantly, we lose sight of the big picture, the larger story at play – the story in which we are but a part. The Easter story is our story, and the arc of human history is ours.

Our culture makes a big deal of New Years, and I tout the promise of school starting. But is there really any better time than now to put our lives back in perspective and focus on what really matters? In the midst of all of our busy-ness and attempts to foster the illusion that we have control over our lives, is there any better time than now to be reminded of our greater call and purpose? This is the joy and beauty of being a part of Episcopal Day School.  As we do the daily business of school, we are also intentional about staying mindful of God’s will and purpose at work through us. There is something much larger than us – individually and collectively – at work in this place. Are you paying attention?