My journey into educational leadership wasn’t always easy. From a young age, I was seen as a leader. Whether on the court or field or in the classroom, often times it was discussed that leadership was where I belonged. However, life does not always go as planned. Like many others, I had obstacles on the road to get to where I am today.
When I first decided I wanted to get into leadership, I was three years into teaching. At that time, I had a wonderful principal who pushed me to be the best teacher I could be. He gave me opportunities to grow as a teacher leader, even in my first few years. His retirement was nearing so it was critical he develop the future leaders of the school he was leaving behind. He invited me to a leadership team meeting with district administrators at the end of the year. At that time, teams met toward the end of the year for an EXPO to discuss upcoming district initiatives and plans for the next school year. I was just a rookie, with only one grade level experience, I wasn't quite sure what path I would take in education. I toyed around with the idea that I wanted to go into administration, but I wasn't confident to believe that that is what I was supposed to do, just yet.
As I prepared for this meeting, I looked in the mirror and told myself, "walk into the room like you belong there. YOU belong there". And if I walked out still feeling that way, I knew this was it. It was that simple for me. So, I went, what did I have to lose? During the hours in that room, I felt right at home. I remember walking out to my car with a migraine believing that this was what I needed to do. I immediately called my best friend to tell her the good news. I made my decision, I was going to graduate school in the fall.
More, now than ever, we as educators are challenged with the future. The unknowns of the job can be extremely scary. I have seen so many great educators leave the profession altogether because the weight of the job just wasn't worth it anymore. As much as that pains me to say, because we get into this career for children, times have changed. This is why it is SO important to continue to remind yourselves of your WHY. As cliche' as it sounds. Our brains are wired to believe what we tell it to believe.
Manifestation is real; even if we are thinking the cup is half empty, if we tell it it's half full, that is what it'll be. I encourage each of you to take the following affirmations and place them around your spaces. Read them. Believe them. Live them. Then watch how things begin to fall into place. Your mind eases, your thoughts become more positive, your smile will begin to return. But you must be intentional and persistent.
AFFIRMATIONS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL LEADER
I can do hard things.
Success is within my reach.
My work has meaning.
I trust myself to make the best decision.
I choose a positive attitude.
I can balance work and life.
I am the leader they need.
I do not second guess myself.
Old habits do not define me.
I embrace new opportunities.
I am exactly where I am supposed to be, right now.
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