Relationships Matter

By Dr. Mike Simpson

As I ponder the beginning of year 34 in my career as an educator, it is so humbling to think of how relevant we are in the lives of our students. I’ve always believed relationships are the key element to achieving that relevance. As a parent, I’ve watched my own children develop those special relationships with their teachers where growth in many aspects of their lives is evident. It seems to always begin with establishing the relationship.

Recently, we took a family vacation to the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. Not being NASCAR fans, it might seem an odd choice for our vacation. We visited a family that I became close to 28 years ago when I was hired as a teacher and coach in Blackwell. I coached both brothers in basketball and had the youngest as an American History student. Their father asked me to join him in leading the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduation, one brother had a decorated Navy career as a fighter pilot during the Gulf War, while the other completed law school and became an attorney.

Their journey in life took turns, as the oldest is now a pilot for American Airlines and the youngest left the legal field and entered the ministry. He began planting churches in the Middle East. Both brothers found amazing wives and started families. As the older brother relocated to the suburban Charlotte area, his parents made the decision to move closer to the grandkids after spending virtually their entire lives in northern Oklahoma. The youngest brother sought a more stable life for his wife and two young children. In a twist of fate, a church in the same community where the brother and parents lived was looking for a senior pastor. Long story short, the two brothers, their families, and the doting grandparents now all live within a mile of each other in Denver, NC.

During our visit, I spent quality time with both of the brothers and their father. The one-on-one time with each was spent sharing the life lessons we provided for each other. There were many occasions where I fought back tears as they shared with me the importance I played in their lives. I also made them very uncomfortable when I shared with them how proud I was about who they had become.

When our families all joined together for meals, there were a total of nine children who all seemed like they had known each other their entire lives. The wives were fast friends as well. Possibly the most gratifying part of the trip was hearing from our kids on the way home that they wanted to go back next year.

When we are in the moment as educators, it is impossible to know if we are making a difference in the lives of our students. It is so easy to get caught up in the negative rhetoric or latest mandate and forget how significant those relationships can be. Time and distance can often keep us from knowing as well. Just when I need a reminder that what we do matters, one seems to appear. Every educator has their own stories of how they have made a difference in the lives of their students. I’ve now completed my assignment of what I did over the summer, and in conclusion, RELATIONSHIPS MATTER. ■

Mike Simpson has served as Superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools since 2012. In May 2024, CCOSA named him the OASA Superintendent of the Year.