Have you ever thought about how your personal evolution and the path to transformation exists in the small things? Happiness doesn’t just exist in the present, it lives in the spaces in between where we are and where we are meant to be. 

If you are reading this and are in education, I know that you recognize that no matter what your role, this is hard work. You also know that it is the most gratifying place to be because you have the ability to change the trajectory of the lives of others.  It’s the small moments in time and the spaces in between that add up to the big things because you are leaving a legacy in the hearts and minds of those you serve.  

Throughout your personal and professional journeys you may have noticed that cultivating relationships and honing your craft means that you have to do a lot of the little things in between often to make the big things happen.

I often write about the small things I see on a daily basis because they are the in between and are too important to forget. For example, there have been a group of teachers in my school district who have generously opened up their classroom doors to host intervisitations for other teachers and administrators to listen and learn inside their classroom spaces. These spaces quickly became learning hubs where educators could exchange ideas, observe effective teaching practices, and collaborate on strategies to improve student learning outcomes. 

These small moves put these teachers in a vulnerable place, but they were willing to sacrifice their own vulnerability so others can grow, embodying the true spirit of professional generosity and collaboration. “What small move are you going to implement in your classroom tomorrow?”  I asked the teachers in the room during our debriefing session. One answered, “I am going to be very precise with my language during the delivery of a minilesson.” Another said, “ I am going to start providing my students with more paper choice during writing.” Another teacher shared, “I recognized that the question, ‘What goal are you working on as a writer today?’ is essential for providing learners with motivation and purpose.”

I know that these practicable small moves and everything in between are going to yield a big impact on their learners. As my friend Meghan Lawson says in her best selling book, Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact, “It doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful.” 

Last week, I had the privilege of joining a panel of building and district leaders addressing an eager group of aspiring administrators. As each future leader introduced themselves, one stood out—a reading specialist. Our eyes met, and in that instant, I couldn’t help but smile wider, sensing a connection as if our shared passion for literacy and education bridged the spaces in between us. After the event, we exchanged numbers, recognizing in each other a reflection of our own dedication and commitment. Perhaps, I recognized in her the same leadership qualities others have seen in me?

You know what else is a small thing that’s really a big thing? Smiling. It’s like fuel for the soul, igniting a warmth within us when we need it the most. Take, for instance, this week when I had to deliver a significant presentation to a group of educators. In the days leading up to it, I had friends checking in on me, their encouraging words making me smile. “When is your presentation, Lauren? I know you will crush it!” Even though I couldn’t see their faces, I could feel their smiles reaching out to me, and in return, I couldn’t help but smile back. 

And, just the other day, I took a moment to write a thank-you note to a teacher who graciously invited me into their classroom for feedback on a lesson. Today, I was deeply moved to receive a heartfelt response: “Lauren, your message truly touched my heart. Your words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your kindness and for believing in me. You inspire me!” Reading those words, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that behind that note was a teacher smiling back at me.

As Dale Carnegie beautifully puts it in How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success, “Your smile is a messenger of your good will. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it,” reminding us of the significant impact a simple smile can have on ourselves and those around us.

Part of what makes you an exceptional educator is your ability to shine a light on the small things and the spaces in between that often go unnoticed but have a big impact. It’s in these little moments that the magic happens, don’t you think?

Those small things like a smile, a nod, a note, a glimmer of encouragement, a push into pursuing opportunities you didn’t know were waiting for you. Those small things and the spaces in between may have helped you say yes to yourself and encouraged you to shatter the walls of fear as you were fervently finding your way. 

Moving Forward

Have you ever thought about how your personal evolution and the path to transformation exists in the small things? Happiness doesn’t just exist in the present, it lives in the spaces in between where we are and where we are meant to be. 

Now go embrace those spaces in between. The big things are waiting for you.

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow Gratitude Circle: Start the school day with a brief gratitude circle where students, educators, and leaders gather to share one thing they are grateful for from the previous day. This can be a small act of kindness, a moment of joy, or an achievement, fostering a sense of appreciation and positivity among everyone in the school community. Reflection Sessions: Implement weekly reflection sessions for students, educators, and leaders to pause and reflect on their experiences, challenges, and successes throughout the week. Prompts or questions to guide the reflection process, can encourage everyone to recognize and appreciate the small moments of growth and connection that occur in between the daily routines and tasks.