The phrase "Don't let perfect get in the way of good," can be attributed to many throughout the world at various times, and it is a phrase that continues to hold truth and wisdom in modern times. As we reach for better, we can't overlook the good that's possible where we are. At school our efforts will rarely, if ever, be perfect, but we can strive for mostly good work as we reach to teach the many children we work with each day.
As I think of this phrase today, I am thinking about the good I can do despite some of the challenges that exist.
Lately I've been thinking a lot about service delivery since we have the good problem of having multiple services available to students, yet all of those services don't always fit together in neat and "perfect" ways. Service delivery is upset, at times, by meetings, unexpected student needs, illness, space, and more. Yet most of the time the service deliver occurs, and that mostly steady service delivery has a positive impact on students.
Similarly, it's every educator's aim to help every child, but in most schools, numbers are large presenting ratios such as 1 teacher to 25 students most of the time. That doesn't leave a lot of time for one-to-one assistance and help. Yet, we can provide as much tailored help as possible each day. Attention to our learners and good learning design can help us to promote a good program for all.
And the curriculum as planned will not be a perfect fit for all students, but that curriculum can be adapted to fit the needs of children in countless ways resulting in a good program, one that teaches students well.
We can strive for betterment, however if we spend too much time trying to be perfect, we won't give good the time it deserves, time that positively impacts the students you teach.
