Fiona Kane

As educators, we often wonder what impact we truly have. We pour our hearts into our classrooms, hoping that something we say or do will plant a seed that grows long after our students leave us. Last week, I had one of those rare and beautiful moments that reminded me exactly why we do what we do.

I was attending a principals’ meeting when I heard a familiar voice call out, “Hiya, Miss!” I turned and there he was—one of my former pupils, now a fellow headteacher. I couldn’t help but smile, shake my head, and say, “Call me Fiona.” But in that moment, I was transported back decades, to a classroom where he was once a bright-eyed student with endless curiosity and a cheeky grin.

We ended up sitting together during the group meal, and what followed was a joyful stroll down memory lane. “Do you remember this?” he kept asking. “Do you remember so-and-so?” And to my amazement—I remembered everything. Every story, every name, every moment he brought up came flooding back with perfect clarity. It was incredible. Thirty years had passed, and yet those memories were as vivid as ever.

Between the laughter and reminiscing, we also talked about the work we now do—leading schools, supporting staff, shaping futures. And then he said something that stopped me in my tracks. With a wry smile, he said, “You know I’m still learning from you. You’re still teaching me.”

I must have looked puzzled, because he went on to explain. In recent years he had attended a professional development session where five or six of my staff were also present. When the facilitator asked everyone to introduce themselves and share their goals, he noticed something striking. Every single one of my staff spoke about how I had met with them individually in advance of them embarking on their course, discussed their professional learning and leadership development, and helped them shape a project that aligned with our College Development Plan. He said, “They were clear, they had direction and support—and ownership. No other principal had done that for their staff. So I’ve pinched that approach from you. That’s what I’m now doing with my staff.”

It was a humbling moment. To know that something I do instinctively—something rooted in my belief in people—had inspired someone else to lead in the same way. That’s the kind of legacy every teacher hopes to leave. It was a special conversation for me as sometimes I feel my teaching stopped the day I stepped out of my Drama and English classrooms and left others to put children on the stage in school productions.

As the evening drew to a close, I said my goodbyes, gave good wishes to colleagues retiring in the summer and hugged my former student, and invited him to visit our brand-new school in September. As I walked away, he called me back and said, “You’ve told me all evening how proud you are of me. Well, let me tell you something—I’m very proud of you too.”

What a gift. What a moment. To be seen, appreciated, and affirmed by someone you once taught – it’s the kind of full circle joy that words can barely capture.

To all my fellow educators – never underestimate the seeds you’re planting. One day, they bloom in the most beautiful and unexpected ways. An important reminder at this time of year when we are tired and energy levels are somewhat depleted!

And to my former student—now a remarkable leader in his own right— thank you.

I am so, so very proud of you!