“Do what you can to show you care about other people and you will make the world a better place.” That quote from Rosalynn Carter has always resonated with me and is the guiding light for everything that I do. My educational and leadership philosophies are built on the same principles, build the relationships first then the rest will be easy. It is my responsibility to create environments where all individuals are welcome, valued, respected, and supported.
I believe education is the cultivation of knowledge and higher-level thinking; it is a mechanism of discovery, exploration, and development, preparing people for their future. Learning should be structured around an authentic problem that allows students to explore multiple views, collaborate with peers, think like subject matter experts, and explore complex solutions to that real-world problem. By integrating technology into curriculum and promoting a diverse, inclusive environment, teachers can develop truly transformative learning environments that give our students the 21st-century skills they need for an ever-changing world.
I am a collaborative leader who believes in diversity of thought and the empowerment of the team.I believe that the goals of the community are best met when I am an active listener who helps my team grow, develop, and thrive in ways that are personal to them. Creating an environment of support where team members feel empowered to take risks and have open and honest conversations, and where transparency is at the forefront, allows the team to thrive and the community to prosper.
Being a school leader means also being able to have hard conversations. While never easy because relationship building is the foundation of my leadership and educational philosophies, having challenging conversations allows for reflection and growth. Because of my transparent approach, the hard conversation can also serve as a means for my professional growth.
I believe that if relationship building is kept front and center, an institution can cultivate a thriving ecosystem where both students and faculty feel welcome, valued, respected, and supported. My job as an educational leader is to empower teachers and students to build the relationships that will not only make them successful but build a community that all of its stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, parents, and alumni, are proud to call home.