Push - It Makes Us All Better

Moved by progress. Inspired by frustration. Apprehensive by misunderstanding. The time to push in teaching, leading and learning is now. There is no time like the present to re-shape education.

As educational leaders (classroom teachers to building administration to district personnel) we are surrounded by colleagues that fully grasp the need to move the pendulum in eduction in a direction that enhances and excites the school experience for all stakeholders. And for so many of us we need to PUSH. Even when it is uncomfortable.

Reading the various One Word posts for 2017, I am intrigued by what you have selected as your word. As I am reading I am drawn to your "why". For me it is this that means the most in my search for my word. For it is our WHY that is so important for the year ahead. Like you, when I commit to this notion of selecting a word that will guide me in my daily life both personally and professionally, I could not take on the task lightly.

Therefore, the time is now. There needs to be a PUSH in the work that we do.

PUSH for innovation in instruction. Demand that instructional best practices are in place in the teaching and learning of and for students. It makes us better.

PUSH for your own professional growth. Ensure that you are growing at the same rate that we ask our students to grow. We must keep pace with the changes occurring in our profession. It makes us better.

PUSH for opportunities for students in their school experience. Beyond the academics we need to extend the school day and provide enrichment opportunities for students within our schools. It makes us better.

PUSH for a positive climate in our buildings that reflects our vision. Whether modeling expectations of colleagues or protecting a safe and caring environment for students, the climate is at the core of how schools function. Do all that you can to ensure a positive climate. It makes us better.

PUSH for the attributes of a positive culture. PUSH out negativity. Engage in crucial and critical conversations with all stakeholders. Model what is the expected behavior. Build Trust. It makes us better.

PUSH the boundaries of the work that you do and the work of others. Do not settle for anything else. It makes us better.

PUSH (and pull) others to embed best practices in teaching and learning. It makes us better.

When we push each other in an attempt to grow, there is no denying we will be better. We will be a better teachers, administrators and in the end, a better organization.

Thank you, Rich Czyz, for the inspiration and for helping me select my One Word for 2017. Even though we are each seeking our own powerful and personal word to guide us through our year ahead, it is the power of the PLN that helps us grow as leaders and learners. Thanks for the push, Rich. Here is Rich's post on "Push".