Success is the Result of Effort

I feel like this is something that a lot of people say, and I 'm not sure if they actually believe it or not.  I know that I even hear it in college, and even sometimes it is directed towards me (gasp!).  "They got a good grade because the teacher likes them more!" "They are just lucky!" NOPE! You accomplish things in life by working hard and getting things done! It is critical to students success that they realize how important it is for them to make the effort.  In order for this to happen, teachers have to be on their toes, all the time, making sure that they are helping ALL students be successful.  We need to be giving them goals just outside their reach, and support them in reaching these goals.  This will challenge us just as much as we are challenging our students! It's work for sure!