Amy Carrier Lyon '85: Success Takes Grit
Today's educators believe that perseverance and passion for long-term goals, or “grit,” is key to lifelong success. Research indicates that students who give their all are more successful in both academic and nonacademic pursuits. The challenge has been to construct a teachable model of the concept and share it effectively with students and educators. Enter Amy Carrier Lyon '85.
Lyon has achieved nearly all her long-term goals and continues to challenge herself. The 30-year education veteran is an adjunct professor of child development at Colby-Sawyer and a fifth-grade teacher in Sutton, N.H. She has earned praise and recognition, but she will be the first to tell you that she did not always have grit.
Self-described as “average” in high school, it wasn't until Colby-Sawyer that Lyon discovered her passion for education. A sophomore-year internship made the difference. “I walked through the front door of the elementary school and smelled paint, glue and crayons, and I thought, 'This is it. I'm home,'” she said.
Lyon had her goal—to become an elementary school teacher—but there was an obstacle: Colby-Sawyer certified only preschool and kindergarten teachers. Lyon met with her adviser, who found the missing piece to the curriculum and helped the college expand its offerings. “I found my voice and became a student at Colby-Sawyer,” said Lyon. “My passion was appreciated, supported and honored.”
With a classroom of her own, Lyon earned a master's degree from Dartmouth College and went on to pursue a doctorate in education. Lyon wanted to concentrate on character education for her dissertation but was uncertain of what aspect to pursue. A Colby-Sawyer colleague shared the article “What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?” which introduced her to grit and inspired a new long-term goal. For the next three years, Lyon would research, create and teach a year-long curriculum cultivating the qualities of grit in her fifth graders.
The article also introduced Lyon to the research of renowned psychologist and grit superstar Angela Duckworth, Ph.D. Captivated by the University of Pennsylvania professor's research on the subject, Lyon set her sights on working with Duckworth. Once Lyon had collected and developed specific strategies that could be shared with educators, she contacted Duckworth, and the two began to collaborate.
Duckworth recruited Lyon to participate in “Talks for Teachers,” an invitation-only series for K-12 educators. She presented her assessment of grit character qualities—optimistic thinking, self-control and perseverance—and shared strategies on how to develop a curriculum that includes grit concepts and skills.
When Edutopia, a foundation founded by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, contacted Duckworth looking for grit in action for its “Research Made Relevant” web program, Lyon and her students were cast. A film crew came to town for three days and taped student and teacher interviews.
Although Lyon appreciates the recognition, she is focused on her students. “Being able to offer my students ideas and strategies to become grittier, and then to witness them applying those skills in school or in their lives, is really rewarding,” she said.
Watch Lyon's Edutopia videos at www.edutopia.org/research-made-relevant-grit-video, and learn more about her work at www.bitofgrit.com.
-Kellie M. Spinney, communications and online content coordinator
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.
Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000
