Experiences Over Experience
Today during a discussion with National FFA Teacher Ambassadors about who we influence and how we influence others, a teacher commented that sometimes she worried she lacked influence because others viewed her as not having enough years experience. This teacher is going into her third year of teaching and went on to say she has had a lot of experiences that others with more years of experience have not had. Did you catch the distinction here? I loved this and it is something I have always told teachers I’ve coached or mentored: Experiences trump experience!
While the number of years someone has spent in a field can give a general sense of their exposure, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the depth, quality, or relevance of their experiences. Considering the actual experiences of others allows us to understand their challenges, problem-solving approaches, and lessons learned in specific situations. This deeper insight helps us evaluate their true expertise and adapt their knowledge to our own circumstances more effectively. Ultimately, focusing on meaningful experiences fosters more genuine learning and growth than simply counting years.
Byron's Babbles 
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