Teachable Moments

Coach Meyer was one of the winningest college basketball coaches of all time. In the basketball world, he was a giant — best friend to John Wooden and mentor to other coaching greats. At the 2009 Espys, Coach Meyer won the Jimmy V award for perseverance. He passed away in 2014 after battling cancer. I was lucky enough to get to know him as an undergraduate student-athlete at Northern State University. Coach Meyer is who I call upon when thinking about the qualities of an honorable leader–selfless, demanding, and a deep sense of responsibility. Coach Meyer was interested in helping student-athletes become better people—servant-leaders. As a high school dean and teacher, I have the privilege of working with students in a variety of circumstances, in good times, and in profoundly challenging moments. I frequently call upon the lessons instilled by him and many others I have been lucky enough to learn from during those moments.

Here are a few examples of some of Meyer’s lessons:

The idea of NBA, or “Next Best Action,” helps us instill reflective thinking and establish a positive path forward. 

Meyer taught that humility was the belief that, “you aren’t better than anyone, but you are just as good as anyone.” This mentality not only builds confidence in those that are unsure of themselves but also helps build an attitude dedicated to servant-leadership. 

And character– “how you treat those that can’t do anything for you, especially when no one is looking” helps develop qualities demonstrative of honorable leadership. 

We are grateful to be able to endeavor in this process with your students and pass along these valuable lessons and teachable moments.

-Mrs. Kirsten Schuman