In the book Start. Right. Now., the authors talk about how excellent educators Know the Way. One way that they do that is through mission statements. ” A personal mission statement is a philosophy or creed that focuses on why you do what you do each day as an educator.”
So I decided to create my own in hopes that it will help me know the way as I continue on my road to excellence.
My Mission Statement
I am an Educator!
I wish to build strong relationships that are formed with kindness and that
value the importance and uniqueness of each other.
I believe that everyone has a story to tell!
The authors in Start. Right. Now. go onto discuss not only how educators know the way, but they show the way, as well. One way that they do that is by not only creating a mission statement but also a vision statement.
“Excellent teachers and leaders are storytellers who never settle for the status quo, but paint a picture of a better future and share this vision with the students and educators they teach and serve alongside. These forward-thinking optimists then enlist others in their vision of a better tomorrow as they show the way to excellence (p.59-60, Whitaker, Zoul & Casas).
This makes me think of the classroom, itself. We receive the best results when we model what we want. If we want our students to perform at their best, then we, ourselves, must demonstrate what that is. It may mean being a bit vulnerable in the process.
In order for this to happen we must Be the Change!! The authors continue on to say that we can not expect others to do what we are not willing to do. If we want to see change happen it must begin with us. “We Must take initiative and be the change, not the same” ( p.62, Whitaker et al. ). Wow!!! That is powerful! I feel like this book was speaking to me before I even read it when I started this blog last year!
The authors ask us to be more than average. There is a lot of average. Be AMAZING, not average! Instead of just telling those we lead our vision, show it in many ways!!
“CREATE A VISION, AND THEN BE A LIVING EXAMPLE OF WHAT IT TAKES TO ACHIEVE IT!!” (Whitaker et al, 2017)