What guides me?
My life's experiences have resulted in a mosaic of my self, albeit
ever-changing. I'm guided by about what I feel passionate, including
foremost, the belief that I am not in control of my life or world.
My Creator has ultimate power in that. What I can control is how I perceive and react
to my environment and circumstances. I know I am human and flawed,
yet am aware of my obligation to give love freely just as my Savior does for me. Each person has his or her gifts; is precious, yet
imperfect. I must be careful not to judge, as I do not wish to be
judged by others. Love your enemies; their evil comes from a place of
hurt and sadness.
Growing up, I quickly
understood there must be an investment of time and effort to earn
desired things. Consequently, I also learned to carefully choose and
set attainable goals. Very little was handed to me as my parents
tried to instill early on a work ethic that, as a child was
difficult to grasp, but now I proudly find invaluable. The importance of
education was also impressed upon me, not just by means of a
classroom, but by observing and enjoying the many resources afforded
one, if time is taken to appreciate them.
I continue to thrive on
personal success and accomplishments on which I set my sights.
Moreover, I find myself striving to excel in my endeavors, motivated by healthy competition with a heaping dose of intrinsic motivation. Most fortunately, I
was allowed to mature in a home where acceptance was given, taught,
with undue pressure to succeed absent. Instead I lived in a place
where love abounded, even when money or material things didn't. This
often, however, created within me an internal struggle as the world
is not so accepting and loving, thus creating a desire prove my worth.
As a result of my life
experiences, these are what I value:
Humility:
Perfection is unattainable.
It is okay to admit you are wrong or that you don't know something
while still projecting confidence in yourself. Share your gifts but
continue to identify and strengthen that which needs improvement. You
need not tell others how great you are, as your actions will lead
others see it for themselves. It is okay to have drive and to some
degree, an ego, but being humble will allow you to have an impact on
others that could be life-changing.
Tolerance: We
are all inherently unique and different. We must respect and extend
understanding of others even when it conflicts with our own beliefs.
Actions stem from places of emotion and convictions. Seek ways to
connect with those with whom we see little in common.
Commitment/Tenacity:
Pride
in ones' work is evident and telling. What you have taken the time to
do, should be done to the best of your abilities. Consult others,
accept their ideas and constructive criticism be tireless in your
efforts towards personal and mandated goals.
Professionalism: Show
tact and decorum to meet any given situation. Keep a dignity about
yourself and the surrounding in which you work. Strive to make
equitable and integrous decisions. Don't allow emotions to dictate
your actions or words without a proper rationale of thought. Be
mindful of who and what you are representing in all that is
conducted.
And finally...
Humor:
Enjoy what you do and the people you are with! Don't be afraid to
laugh at yourself. Be aware of situations that need levity! Laughter
has the power to connect and even heal. Use it with care- but find
amusement whenever possible.
What I believe....
*Education is a mission.
Those who feel called to the cause of influencing the future,
including leaders, should be willing share visions and be motivated
by the values thereof. One in the field must be willing to unite for
the greater cause. Ethically, one must put aside personal differences
and judgments that interfere or compromise the mission.
*Teach kids content, not content
to kids. I believe the responsibility of educators is to
work tirelessly towards successfully reaching students' needs-
academic and intellectual. Be mindful of dignity among children when
helping them learn. Even with convictions about subject
matter, flexibility and willingness to try new approaches and
strategies MUST be an attribute. Respect the backgrounds and
upbringing of each individual and not hold against any one individual the
knowledge he or she has or lacks.
*My ethic is leadership as
stewardship. Decisions
should be based on morals (with adherence to all laws, rules or
policies) ; including commitment to, and awareness of , the
importance of our roles as educators. That should be the guiding
force and motivations for deciding what is ultimately best for kids.
In the process, I personally have expectations of those I lead and am
not “above” doing any of the jobs asked of my colleagues. While a
a leader is empowered by authority, it is to be used wisely and
humbly but with resolution clearly communicated.
*Relationships are crucial to
success. Fostering investment in outcomes and goals of the
entity is key! The educator guides others to help create solutions
or ideas and build rapport with those who follow; thereby invoking support for what they have helped create. Abstain from “writing
off” anyone; and exhaust all efforts to find the positive
attributes of others. Time to forge connections must be made.
*We must grow and develop like
any other professional. I cannot claim to be an ultimate
expert or have mastery of any aspect of this profession. I stay
committed to the development of my craft by keeping myself apprised
of practices and ideas, both well established and on the forefront-
with the mindset that learning is never finished. The world in which
our school reside is ever-evolving. Educators should serve as
resources, mentors to others, and help realize strengths and
weaknesses through reflection and collegial discussion. Conversely,
we will make mistakes; and should value the learning experience they thereby
create.
* Education is empowerment.
The far-reaching influences of educators and their leaders exceeds
the walls of any campus. We are given standards for which we are
accountable for by the state and nation and have been charged with
helping students attain knowledge
and skills. A true professional knows how to facilitate others with
this goal, but also maintains a vision beyond the day or school year.
He or she sees the power and potential embodied by professional
learning communities and has the means and wherewithal to not lose
sight of the heart of schools: the
students and staff.
Afterword....
I
often recall one of my first geometry lessons in elementary school
when the teacher proclaimed that a true line never ends- it continues
forever in either direction. My younger brain struggled with the
concept. Now further into my life's journey, I clearly grasp the
notion of continuity especially as it relates to learning.
With such infinite lengths,those called to be a part of communities
that teach share a passion for imparting knowledge, ideas,
understandings, and appreciation for the world around them. Moreover,
those called to walk the never-ending line must be prepared to invest
time to understand those with whom they work and instruct, be it in a
public school setting or any other setting. Teaching is a respected
profession and position IF the individuals choosing to take part
uphold the understood standards set by our predecessors .
Conversely, along the line of education come decisions; an
innumerable amount of choices to be made. A simple scientific
principal resurfaces: For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. Ethically, as both a human being and a teacher, considering
the effects of one's choices is a moral responsibility that is not to
be taken lightly. Many a plaque and poster have read “Teaching is a
work of heart.” One must remember that it is not only his or her
heart with which the work will take place. Education involves
constant human interaction. And as human are inherently precious and
flawed, their differences extend infinitely in either direction.
