What I’ve Learned From Artists About My Education Job

In this episode of Unlocking Us, Brené Brown interviewed Jason Sudeikis and Brandon Hunt, stars of Ted Lasso. In the interview, they talked about creativity. And what they said got me thinking about being creative in my education job. 

A Definition of Creativity

It comes during a part where Brené Brown gushes over how well Jason Sudeikis and Brandon Hunt make connections between unusual things in Ted Lasso. I mean, they reference semantic satiation and Allen Iverson’s now famous “Talking About Practice” interview in the same episode.

The game changing quote is what Brown says about creativity: 

“There’s a definition of creativity that I love ... which is to connect the seemingly unconnectible.”

That’s when it hit me: I’ve always wanted to bring more creativity to my education job. But what if the connection between creativity and the profession isn’t absent, but just hidden? Let me explain what I mean. 

Educators Are Like Artists 

I’ve become a huge fan of creativity books. I’ve read so many now that I can call out themes that appear across my favorite ones. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say these describe a job in public education as much as they describe a job in writing, painting, or music. 

For example, successful artists: 

• Make something, anything, everyday 

• Deliver products on a schedule 

• Make interesting things because they bring their authentic selves to their work. Given that there’s no two people who are alike, how could it not be unique?

• Search for the balance between self expression and service to others

• Don’t see policies and procedures as restrictive, but instead see them as design constraints

Let Me Know What You Think

Read the list and reflect. Do any of these describe how you approach your education job, whether you teach, lead schools, work with data, or any of the countless roles required for schools to run? Is the connection between creativity and your education job hidden to you or obvious? 

Reply to this email and let me know what you think about this. I’d like to share some responses in a future newsletter. 

Until next time, 

Ryan

Notes 

1. stars of Ted Lasso: If you haven’t seen Ted Lasso, I highly recommend it. 
2. Allen Iverson’s now famous “Talking About Practice” interview: I love this interview so much that it inspired the title of a podcast I do with Joshua Rosenberg about research and practice in education. 
3. I’ve become a huge fan of creativity books: If you’re interested, some of my favorites are Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis, and Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon.