GRIT. Love this word! I write a lot about this because grit is the hardy 'stuff' that defines us as leaders and educators. It's putting children first no matter what, and we do this because 1) it's the right thing to do and 2) we care. As impassioned educators, we care in many ways and it takes many forms. It could be making sure our children are fed and clean every day, or making a home visit to see how parents are faring; it could be how we ask our students how they're doing and making sure they have an advocate every time they come into our building. One of the most important ways that we care is how we view education and what we provide our children each and every day. Are we in the mode of complacency and are fine with "we've always done it that way", or are we truly modeling for our staff our high expectations of rigorous instruction?
Self-reflection here, I feel, is the key. This is where GRIT comes in because, as you wisely know, change is not always met with cheers and hoorahs -- indeed, it is often quite the opposite!
Grit comes from courage, integrity, and not a small amount of vision, passion, and energy. Principals and leaders: I ask you...when we see the world changing and what our children will be faced with in terms of how they will be challenged in the 21st century, we have to ask ourselves how we are preparing our students in our schools. I ask myself this constantly. Truly, if we honestly care, then worksheets and lecture will not prepare our babies. If we truly care and have grit, then we should instill our expectations through visible learning, engagement, metacognitive strategies, and self-reflection. I would also posit that allowing our teachers a voice in these things, too, matters. Encouraging and guiding along the way, while at the same time, letting go the reins a little, will allow our teachers to fly! Instill the greatness in your teachers through your own self-reflection, passion, and high expectations--this will model for your staff what you expect to see, hear and experience. It's only October...I can't imagine where you will take your schools by May! #rigorandreflection!
