Summer is well underway. For many of us, summer is a great time to catch our breath and take time to reflect upon the prior year. We all most likely had our fair share of successes, and without doubt probably had a few failures along the way. Perhaps this past year was the first year in a new position, or perhaps it was another year in an existing position with a new set of circumstances. Either way, we can always learn and grow with the hope of improving for the future.
This past year for me was the first year in a new position in a new district. The opportunities for growth and learning about the whole education system were wonderful. In the same breath, I was completely humbled by how much I didn't know. It's amazing when you don't know how much you don't know!
Consequently, there are a few things I hope to do differently as the upcoming school year approaches:
1). Don't shy away from making decisions...
There were decisions that I made last year that didn't exactly turn out to be the best decision. At times, the wrong decision brought additional factors to light that ultimately helped us to make a better decision. I have come to the conclusion that not making a decision and having confusion and a lack of direction is worse than making a poor decision. Not that I want to make poor decisions, but I think it's even worse to never make a decision while searching and waiting for everything to be perfect to make the 'best' decision.
2). Increase visibility and work to grow new relationships...
I attempted to start most of my days in a school prior to going to central office. This is extremely important to me because I remember what it was like as a teacher and never seeing any of our district administrators. Additionally, simply walking the halls and talking to teachers and students serves as a great reminder of why we do what we do. I will continue and increase my efforts to be in the buildings as often as possible. George Couros had the great idea of setting up shop in a different building at different times throughout the month and simply working remotely. This is a great idea and can be done pretty easily these days considering the availability of technology.
3). Send at least two positive emails or make two positive calls every day...
How does it feel to get a positive email or phone call at the end of the day? How does it feel to get a positive email or phone call at the beginning of the next day? We all know this is a great end to the day or a great start to the next day. Taking five minutes to do this every day is so important, and when we make others feel good about the work they are doing, we also feel better about the work we are doing. Make time for this... every day.
4). Rely on and trust those with whom I work...
Now, please don't think I don't trust those with whom I work. I most definitely trust them to be the great educators and professionals that they are. This change for me is more about me accepting and relying upon those with whom I work. As a member of a team, it's vital that I 'let go' and allow others to do what they need to do. This means not trying to do everything myself and tapping into the strengths and areas of expertise of others.
5). Eat breakfast or lunch with students at least once a week...
Have you ever had breakfast with a table full of elementary students? If you haven't, I would highly recommend it! After a while you will get really good at opening up milk cartoons and syrup packages, but more importantly, the young kids will rejuvenate and energize you. On a serious note, as educators, it's so important we maintain a strong connection and tie to our students. They need to see us as more than just educators; they need to see as humans who care about them and their interests. I can't think of a better opportunity than at breakfast or at lunch.
This is my list for the 2013-2014 school year. What do you plan to do differently next year?
Consequently, there are a few things I hope to do differently as the upcoming school year approaches:
1). Don't shy away from making decisions...
There were decisions that I made last year that didn't exactly turn out to be the best decision. At times, the wrong decision brought additional factors to light that ultimately helped us to make a better decision. I have come to the conclusion that not making a decision and having confusion and a lack of direction is worse than making a poor decision. Not that I want to make poor decisions, but I think it's even worse to never make a decision while searching and waiting for everything to be perfect to make the 'best' decision.
2). Increase visibility and work to grow new relationships...
I attempted to start most of my days in a school prior to going to central office. This is extremely important to me because I remember what it was like as a teacher and never seeing any of our district administrators. Additionally, simply walking the halls and talking to teachers and students serves as a great reminder of why we do what we do. I will continue and increase my efforts to be in the buildings as often as possible. George Couros had the great idea of setting up shop in a different building at different times throughout the month and simply working remotely. This is a great idea and can be done pretty easily these days considering the availability of technology.
3). Send at least two positive emails or make two positive calls every day...
How does it feel to get a positive email or phone call at the end of the day? How does it feel to get a positive email or phone call at the beginning of the next day? We all know this is a great end to the day or a great start to the next day. Taking five minutes to do this every day is so important, and when we make others feel good about the work they are doing, we also feel better about the work we are doing. Make time for this... every day.
4). Rely on and trust those with whom I work...
Now, please don't think I don't trust those with whom I work. I most definitely trust them to be the great educators and professionals that they are. This change for me is more about me accepting and relying upon those with whom I work. As a member of a team, it's vital that I 'let go' and allow others to do what they need to do. This means not trying to do everything myself and tapping into the strengths and areas of expertise of others.
5). Eat breakfast or lunch with students at least once a week...
Have you ever had breakfast with a table full of elementary students? If you haven't, I would highly recommend it! After a while you will get really good at opening up milk cartoons and syrup packages, but more importantly, the young kids will rejuvenate and energize you. On a serious note, as educators, it's so important we maintain a strong connection and tie to our students. They need to see us as more than just educators; they need to see as humans who care about them and their interests. I can't think of a better opportunity than at breakfast or at lunch.
This is my list for the 2013-2014 school year. What do you plan to do differently next year?