Tugboats don't need to be big. They just need to be big enough to move what needs moving. I always amazed as I often watch these seemingly little boats moving back and forth under the Lions Gate Bridge safely guiding massive ships. Tugboats are designed for strength not speed, with their high torque engines and special propulsion mechanisms they have the traction to pull or push ships hundreds of times their size to safety. Tugboats have a long, storied history of helping, dating back to the 1800s, these small vessels have always being there when push comes to shove.
Just over week ago, as I was heading into a planning meeting, I noticed a little tugboat prepping to pull out of the Shipyards into Burrard Inlet. Distracted by thoughts of the day ahead, I didn't pay too much attention until the deep roar of the tugboat's engine snapped me back to the moment as it it geared up to head out into the Pacific Ocean. Earlier that morning, a thoughtful colleague shared an email about the winner of a student memorial scholarship. Sitting alone in a dim parking garage scrolling through my emails, I was gearing up for the morning's meeting when her message caught me off guard, moved me to tears, a powerful reminder of what matters most in our profession. It was a injection of why we do what we do in public education to ensure all means all. The scholarship winner is a young woman who has weathered many intense storms to now recognize her own tenacious strength, creative beauty and lived ability to navigate tricky waterways. From a far, I have watched her unwavering determination as she committed to coming to school every day, finishing her course work and choosing to nurture healthy, caring friendships. Though my glimpse into the depths of her ocean has been brief, I’ve seen her persevere guided by the steady compass points of her loving parents and her quiet, unassuming educators, all working together to help chart her course toward adulthood.
Schools are like big ships. Everyone who boards the ship hopes for a safe and successful journey. Everyone carries their own finery and baggage. Everyone comes with expectations and perceptions about the adventures ahead. This is true for students, staff and families alike. While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the human dimension of coexistence with others calls for careful navigation and thoughtful partnerships. The captain cannot steer the ship in isolation, nor can the passengers propel the boat without the care, collaboration and coordination of community.
No matter how fine the ship may be, stormy waters can disrupt learning journeys and cause distress. For the purpose of this spin, I am working with figurative language to play with the metaphor of tugboats in schools to honour the work of those calm and powerful professionals who support the essence of public education. While I recognize, and reside daily, in the complexity of educational systems, I want to be cautious about oversimplifying the intricacies of our work. I want to honour the essential, often-unseen professionals who steady our schools through deep waters and shifting seas, guiding student learning and growth with quiet strength.
Sometimes something small and powerful can change life's course when things get tricky. Big ships needs tugboats to guide them through rough waters and tight turns. In schools, we need tugboats, we need people who have the steady grace behind the scenes to guide students through tense moments, to endure storms, and to be anchors of connection. Tugboats are often in the shadows overpowered by the big ships they are guiding, while they don't need the spotlight they deserve recognition. They may not be the most visible part of school life, but they are indispensable to the success of many students who may need more precise guidance to navigate their educational journeys.
We need more tugboats, individuals whose human touch centres our work together honouring our collective commitment to supporting all students all the time. As this final week of school in B.C. wraps up, a special thank you to all the tugboats diligently working to support our students. Your tenacity and unwavering quiet, calm, composed ways are critical to supporting the healthy growth and development of our students. To all the educators and support staff who work behind the scenes, thank you for your power, your steady guidance, and your resilience in all conditions.