I have taken the summer months to take a break from writing weekly blogs.  To be honest, these blogs are probably more inspirational to me than they are to the reader.  Writing two blogs each week is an intentional exercise in gratitude, motivation, and optimism.  I’ve heard many times, “we are what we repeatedly do,”  and “we are what we practice.”  For me, being optimistic and positive is purposeful; it is a decision each and every day.

The time off during this summer has solidified many of my beliefs. I am resolute in my values, in my inner-core, and committed to this work in public education.  Each year provides learning experiences; each year is an opportunity for growth.  Please permit me to share three reflections from my time away from the office this summer:

1. Our culture work is paramount to any success we will have as a district. The foundation of trust, the relationships we build as an education community, is the most critical predictor of student success.
2. Leaders empower leadership in others. My primary job is to create the culture, to build trust so that our team achieves at the highest level.  Leaders support their team, hold them accountable, and maintain elite standards for performance.
3. We must do a better job of measuring and documenting the work we do. Our culture must include check-points on our journey as guideposts and guardrails.

I am eager to return to a regular pattern of two weekly posts per week. My hope is, in some small way, that these posts provide periodic opportunities for reflection in your professional work.