SuperPower!  This concept of exploring SuperPowers appears to be a theme in many of our current films.  Expressed in different ways such as SuperHeros, SuperHuman abilities, or heightened capabilities, these movies tap into deeper themes of power, responsibility, and identity.

While you may initially be thinking I’m talking about a costume you put on or a persona you assume for an event or celebration, I’m Not!  What I’m actually talking about is your gift, your strength, or an attribute about you that multiplies your influence and success in life as well as in your work as a leader.

A person’s “SuperPower” can be defined as a unique strength, skill, or ability that sets them apart and allows them to excel in certain areas. It can be a talent, an innate quality, or a learned skill that can be leveraged to achieve our goals or help others.  SuperPowers often reflect a person’s passions and values, making them feel more empowered and confident in their abilities. Whether it’s creativity, empathy, problem-solving, or resilience, each person’s SuperPower is distinct and contributes to their identity and impact in the world.

One Middle School in Tahoe Truckee, CA took this idea to heart.  Spinning off of several movies including, “The Incredibles”, they opened the year with this theme:

Middle School Marvels: Nurturing Community & Inspiring a Love of Learning

What a combination of thoughts! – How we (The Marvels) come together for a greater purpose (to nurture community and inspire a love of learning).  To initiate the conversation and deepen the concept of SuperPowers, teachers were asked to introduce themselves in this way:

• Introduce yourself as a superhero alter ego, complete with a superhero name and power, style, or personality.

• Example: The Middle School Whisperer: A master of unlocking young minds through the power of language.
• Additional Examples:  Each Administrator offered their SuperPower as additional examples.

• The Principal’s SuperPower was Principal Protector: I am here to shield us with a fortress of support.
• One Assistant Principal called herself The Mind Master: With Infinite Patience, I have the ability to guide and encourage students with unwavering calm and understanding.
• And, a third Assistant Principal named his SuperPower The Human Fire Extinguisher: No situation is too hot or too big to jump into.

Pulling the theme of Nurturing Community forward even more, staff was then asked to add the following to their SuperPower:

• Take 2 minutes to find a photo on your phone you want to share with the team
• Take 1 minute and add it to our shared album! (NOTE: This is a confidential shared album between the staff.)

Include your SuperPower Name, your subject(s) area and grade level, and years in education. Using AI as a resource, the teachers were able to identify and develop their unique SuperPowers.

• Be ready to do a 10 second share out.
• And cue, awwwwwww……….

How fun! This approach takes Scott Peck’s concept of Stages of Community to new heights by encouraging staff to reflect on their unique qualities—their SuperPowers—in the work they do with students. It invites everyone to the third stage of community, which is characterized by “emptying and listening.” By appreciating each other’s uniqueness, colleagues connect on a deeper level, beyond just their subjects or years of experience in education. At the core of each chosen SuperPower lies a value or belief about ourselves and our work as educators.

Our second article takes SuperPower to an even deeper level.

In the meantime, have fun thinking about your own unique SuperPower.