If you are like many educators, you have felt pressure to play a part. Authenticity is not optional—it is the gateway to real impact. When you show up as your full self, students respond. The “A” in WAND invites you to teach from your truth, take brave risks, celebrate real progress, accept your season, and help students do the same.
Good news: you can embody the “A” with five simple practices.
These steps include:
- Step 1: Teach From Your Truth
- Step 2: Take Audacious Risks
- Step 3: Celebrate All Wins—Big and Small
- Step 4: Accept Where You Are Today
- Step 5: Help Students See Their Own Authenticity
Let’s look at each step in more detail…
Step 1: Teach From Your Truth
Scripts are safe, but they mute your spark. Usually, you can avoid that by letting your style, interests, and voice shape how you deliver the standard. Authenticity builds trust—and trust fuels learning.
For example: Open with a 60-second story from your life that connects to the lesson (“I failed my first lab—here’s what I learned about evidence”). Keep the curriculum intact; let the delivery sound like you.
Step 2: Take Audacious Risks
Routines keep class steady; small risks keep it alive. Usually, you can avoid stagnation by piloting one bold idea at a time—expecting learnings, not perfection.
For example: Run a 1-week project sprint, a debate circle, or a student-choice showcase. Pre-plan a “good flop” reflection: What worked? What will we tweak? Model courageous iteration.
Step 3: Celebrate All Wins—Big and Small
Invisible progress drains momentum. Usually, you can avoid that by naming specific achievements as they happen. Recognition reinforces effort and direction.
For example: Keep a “Wall of Wins” (sticky notes or a slide). Add micro-wins: “J. turned in homework,” “A. asked a clarifying question,” “We transitioned in 30 seconds.” Read three aloud on Fridays.
Step 4: Accept Where You Are Today
Perfectionism delays pride and drains joy. Usually, you can avoid that by acknowledging your season and choosing progress you can sustain. Acceptance clears shame so growth can stick.
For example: Swap “I must redesign everything” for “This week I’ll tighten my entry routine and exit ticket.” Review on Friday; carry forward one next step. Done is better than ideal.
Step 5: Help Students See Their Own Authenticity
Students thrive when who they are is welcomed. Usually, you can avoid cookie-cutter participation by creating space for identity and voice.
For example: Add a “choice lane” to tasks (format, audience, or topic). Use low-risk share formats—gallery walks, table talks, or audio posts. Offer sentence stems: “One way my perspective shows up in this work is…”
You do not have to shrink to fit someone else’s version of a teacher. Be you, boldly—and watch engagement rise as authenticity becomes the norm.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).