“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

From: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Recently, I was reminded of Robert Frost’s poignant words in his famous poem “The Road Not Taken.” Frost describes a traveler faced with a choice between two paths, opting for the less traveled one—a decision that ‘has made all the difference.’ This metaphor beautifully reflects the daily decisions of our educators, who may choose various paths in pursuit of ensuring they are meeting the needs of all learners. Each decision, similar to Frost’s path less taken, is a commitment to a variety of instructional approaches and recognizing each student’s unique journey.

Another school year has concluded in New York and the impact of our dedicated educators continues to stand out. This is something I’ve admired from a young age, first observing my parents (both educators) and learning from my grandfather (a college law professor), who both cherished their students and the impact of education.

Now, with nearly two decades of experience in education myself, I witness this same dedication in the commitment of the many remarkable teachers and leaders I’ve encountered. Like Frost’s deliberate choice in the woods, the decisions our educators make shape the futures of their students, continuously inspiring and leading on a journey that is immensely rewarding, though often less traveled.

A Message to YOU, Great Educators

In education, sometimes the days of teaching can feel long, filled with planning, analyzing, grading, reteaching, and providing invaluable feedback. Yet, what continues to stand out the most is the connections you’ve cultivated with your students and the genuine care you’ve poured into nurturing those relationships. Equally impressive is your collaboration with colleagues to share best practices, further illuminating the commitment you have to your profession. As I mentioned in my last post, Pausing with Purpose, I remind us that leading, learning, and teaching is more than a profession–it’s a calling.

Like the traveler in the Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken,” you too have made impactful choices, sometimes taking the road less traveled by, and that has indeed made all the difference. It’s not just in the way you teach, but in how you inspire and prepare your students for the unpredictable journey of life.

In her book The Learning Game, Ana Lorena Fábrega writes, “Life doesn’t come with an instruction booklet. It’s messy and unpredictable. To prepare kids for the real world, we need to give them space for their imagination to shine.” This sentiment holds true for adults as well. Learning, leading, and teaching are not linear and do not come with a set path. Each step you take and each instructional practice you implement is a testament to how you are always keeping student learning at the heart of your work.

Ryan Holiday in The Obstacle is the Way, reminds us, “When you have a goal, obstacles are actually teaching you how to get where you want to go—carving you a path.” This reminds us that on the road taken, obstacles are opportunities to test yourselves, try new things, to unlearn, learn, and relearn. These challenges help us grow and adapt in the ever-changing field of education.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge our retirees and teachers who will be taking new paths; we celebrate your decision to embark on new journeys, taking another road, as Frost would say. Your paths have diverged, and we honor the legacy you leave behind, one that has deeply enriched your school communities.

Moving Forward

Here’s my wish for you, great educators:

I hope this summer provides you with a well-deserved break. I hope you take time to rest, rejuvenate, pursue your hobbies, and perhaps discover new ones. I hope you read books that fill your soul and that you write to learn, reflect, and grow. I hope you remember that if you have an idea, a thought, or just want to say hello to a colleague, reach out to them. It will make their day better.

Let’s continue to embrace the learning that lies ahead. As you each navigate your unique paths, may you remember that the journey itself is home.

Here’s to finding joy in the road taken, the journey, and excitement in the unexpected turns along the way.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

-Robert Frost