One of my favorite memories as a teacher is from back at the technology center. I received an email from my assistant principal titled “Dress code”.
Gulp.
It asked me to come see her at my conference time at the end of the day.
Double gulp.
Still having no clue as to why I was going down there, (I was in a tee shirt and jeans, but it was a jeans day!) I went in and blurted immediately, “Dr. Milligan, I am so sorry about this outfit…I will dress more professionally moving forward!”
She looked up at me blankly…and from behind me, I heard hysterical laughter. I leaned my head back and dadgummitt..the principal and another one of our teachers, were practically on the ground, laughing SO hard. Apparently, she had failed to log out of her computer earlier in the day and they’d had their way with it.
I explained why I was there to her, and asked, just to reassure myself, that I was dressed appropriately and she said the most powerful thing ever.
“Amber, I trust your professionalism and know you have high expectations for yourself. Your choices define your path.”
I WANT my people empowered to make strong choices. I want to arm and provide examples of what our educational world looks like when they are confident and an end goal in mind. Instead of doubting, denying, or questioning their goals and aspirations, I want them to see that their choices define their path.
That requires intentionality on my part. I hope to model that with #allthethings I do to be a lifelong learner, with goals and plans. But it also means allowing them to have goals and dreams as well. Sometimes you need someone else’s perspective on what you can become to actualize your own potential.
Surround yourself with people who encourage and empower your dreams and goals. Be the person who encourages and empowers your people. If you don’t have that in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle.
Door opener &
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