1. Care about students/youth.
My number one non-negotiable is that students are the center of concern. I am so hurt when I hear teachers from other school speak so poorly of students. It seems like they do not even like children, yet their job is to inspire them and teach them. As a teacher and future leader, I will not lose focus and where my heart is. I am here for students; I truly love them, not all their choices, but I am here to help and guide. I am not here to criticize, laugh at or talk poorly of them behind their backs.
2. Rigor.
In the educational field, this is a good thing. It means that educational experiences, activities, projects and environments are challenging and build skills that are applicable in all parts of life. I expect the staff that I work with to create rigorous activities because I too am working hard to make learning meaningful and purposeful. All job positions at a school are important and rigor must be seen in all aspects.
3. Listen to Act.
We hear things, but are we listening. Staffs need to listen to each other, have conversations and follow-up with each other. There are experienced teachers that can offer coaching on classroom management, transitions and “teacher tricks” to newer teachers. They must listen and then do it in their class, not disregard it. Additionally, there are many concerns that come up as a staff and it is important to listen and collectively come up with a plan. Leaders must not push issues to the side, but make a point to do something. It does not have to be big, but something that demonstrates there is an action is taking place.
My number one non-negotiable is that students are the center of concern. I am so hurt when I hear teachers from other school speak so poorly of students. It seems like they do not even like children, yet their job is to inspire them and teach them. As a teacher and future leader, I will not lose focus and where my heart is. I am here for students; I truly love them, not all their choices, but I am here to help and guide. I am not here to criticize, laugh at or talk poorly of them behind their backs.
2. Rigor.
In the educational field, this is a good thing. It means that educational experiences, activities, projects and environments are challenging and build skills that are applicable in all parts of life. I expect the staff that I work with to create rigorous activities because I too am working hard to make learning meaningful and purposeful. All job positions at a school are important and rigor must be seen in all aspects.
3. Listen to Act.
We hear things, but are we listening. Staffs need to listen to each other, have conversations and follow-up with each other. There are experienced teachers that can offer coaching on classroom management, transitions and “teacher tricks” to newer teachers. They must listen and then do it in their class, not disregard it. Additionally, there are many concerns that come up as a staff and it is important to listen and collectively come up with a plan. Leaders must not push issues to the side, but make a point to do something. It does not have to be big, but something that demonstrates there is an action is taking place.