In a powerful moment, Derrick Rose, former NBA MVP and Chicago Bulls star, asked his son, “Do you want to be good or great?” That question has stayed with me because, as an educator, I often ask myself the same thing. Am I satisfied with simply being good at what I do, or am I ready to stretch, grow, and show up as a great educator who truly impacts lives?
This question challenges me not only in my personal life but also in how I approach teaching, mentoring, and leading students. In education, settling for “good” often means going through the motions, while striving for “great” means actively pushing boundaries to inspire and uplift students in ways that transform their futures.
As I prepare for 2025, I’m drawing from Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements to guide my personal and professional growth, while anchoring my journey in biblical truth. This year, I want to move beyond intentions and put actionable faith into practice—not just for my sake, but for the students, parents, and colleagues who are counting on me.
The Four Agreements: A Framework for Greatness in Education
In the classroom and in life, The Four Agreements offer practical wisdom on how to build trust, foster growth, and lead with purpose. Here’s how I plan to apply each agreement as I strive for greatness in my role as an educator in 2025:
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
As educators, our words have power. Whether we’re speaking to students, parents, or colleagues, our words can either build confidence or tear it down. James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” In 2025, I’m committing to speaking life into my students—encouraging them, setting high expectations, and modeling integrity in my communication. It’s about being intentional in every conversation, whether I’m offering praise, giving feedback, or speaking truth to myself.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Teaching comes with its fair share of challenges—misunderstandings, difficult conversations, and moments when things don’t go as planned. Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In education, not taking things personally means staying grounded and remembering that students’ struggles or parents’ frustrations aren’t a reflection of my worth but an opportunity to show grace and understanding.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
In education, assumptions can be dangerous. We may assume we understand a student’s behavior, a parent’s perspective, or even a colleague’s intentions without seeking clarity. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” In 2025, I’m committing to asking more questions, seeking to understand before responding, and building relationships based on trust, not assumptions.
4. Always Do Your Best
As an educator, “doing my best” doesn’t mean aiming for perfection—it means showing up every day, giving my all, and trusting that God will use my efforts for His purpose. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” In 2025, I will strive for excellence in my lesson planning, mentoring, and leadership, knowing that my best effort can plant seeds that will bear fruit in students’ lives for years to come.
Moving from Intention to Action in the Classroom
In education, it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of planning—waiting for the perfect time to implement new ideas or second-guessing whether an approach will work. But greatness doesn’t come from hesitation; it comes from action. In 2025, I want to be the educator who takes bold steps, tries new strategies, and creates learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and challenged.
Spiritually: Leading with Purpose
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” As an educator who values faith, I want my work to reflect God’s purpose. This means showing up not just to teach curriculum but to mentor and nurture my students’ growth. It means being patient when things get tough and trusting that my efforts have a greater impact than I may see in the moment.
Professionally: Growing as a Leader
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Whether it’s mentoring fellow teachers, leading professional development, or growing programs that serve students with diverse needs, I want to step confidently into leadership. In 2025, I’m committed to professional growth—not just for personal advancement but to create a lasting impact on students and educators alike.
Physically: Modeling Balance and Wellness
1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” As educators, we pour so much into others, often neglecting our own well-being. In 2025, I’m making my health a priority—not just to model balance for my students but to ensure I have the energy to fulfill my purpose. This means establishing a healthy routine and being intentional about rest, exercise, and time for personal renewal.
Final Thoughts: Striving for Greatness in Education
Derrick Rose’s question—“Do you want to be good or great?”—is a call to action for me as an educator. It’s not about being the best in comparison to others, but about being the best version of myself for the sake of the students and communities I serve. Good is comfortable, but great is impactful.
Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14 encourage me as I press forward: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In 2025, I’m pressing forward—choosing faith over fear, action over hesitation, and purpose over comfort.
So, I’ll leave you with the same question I’ve been asking myself: Do you want to be good, or do you want to be great? The difference lies in what we choose to do next.
A Call to Action:
If you’re an educator striving to grow in 2025, let’s hold each other accountable. Whether it’s through personal growth, professional development, or spiritual leadership, let’s show up, take bold action, and trust God to do the rest. Together, we can make this year one of transformation, impact, and lasting change for the students we serve.
Are you ready to go from good to great? Let’s do it—together.
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