TL;DR:
- Excellence should be defined as consistently and intentionally improving every day in pursuit of doing your very best.
- We should have an educational environment that allows students to try and fail forward so that they can learn by making mistakes and grow as a result.
- Endorse the use of the 7 Habits.
E is for EXCELLENCE
Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. In my opinion, our society gets the concept of excellence wrong. Why can’t excellence be defined as doing your very best? I would argue that it can be defined this way. Excellence should be exemplified by consistently and intentionally improving upon oneself day after day. Excellence is important and our kids need to understand that it does not necessarily mean competition, but simply improving upon oneself consistently.
Let’s work together to define an educational system that allows, and even fosters, the idea of learning through mistakes. Click To Tweet
E is for EXCELLENCE: Student Learning
As educators, we are in the business of teaching and learning. If students aren’t learning, then what is the point? I would love to see an educational system that focuses on student learning. It would be wonderful to have an educational environment that allows students to try and fail forward.
Isn’t that how we learn best? I know that when I make a mistake, I learn through that error. I am very unlikely to make that mistake again. Excellence in education should be a consistent effort to improve upon oneself daily.
Excellence should NOT be defined through comparison. If educators begin to foster a learning environment focused on growth, then it would be safe to think outside of the box. It would encourage new ideas and innovation. This type of learning environment would foster hope and optimism for teachers and students alike.
E is for EXCELLENCE: Putting It ALL Together
We all have a certain level of baggage that we carry around with us every day. Adversity is part of life. I believe that adversity and trauma can help educators relate to others because of our common lived experiences. Trauma can be a powerful bonding agent and motivator to shape our habits! Use your voice and your story to build relationships and effect change. We can’t be afraid to share our stories. Your story may be the one that provides hope for a student or colleague.
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It is through the redefinition of habits that I have become a more effective, efficient educational leader. The 7 Habits serve as a framework to help us optimize our time and influence our circle of control. I am optimistic that we can collaboratively utilize our life lessons and the 7 Habits to improve upon the state of education. Our kids deserve it! Our teachers deserve it!
Educators can share a sense of optimism in a variety of ways. Be authentic and vulnerable when you interact with your students. Let them get to know your personality. Share your story and your optimism for the future. Sometimes we have to share optimism for our students’ futures until they can see it for themselves.
One of my favorite Stephen Covey quotes is, “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they can see it in themselves.” Educators must have a sense of optimism in order to accomplish this lofty goal.
We, as educators, must also demonstrate purpose, passion, and perseverance. Grit is necessary as we focus on excellence in education. Let’s strive for excellence as defined by our personal best. Let’s work together to define an educational system that allows, and even fosters, the idea of learning through mistakes.
E is for EXCELLENCE: The Time is Now
If you also want to see that kind of an educational system, then there is no time better than the present. I would argue that now is the time to make that change! Let’s collaborate to abandon educational practices, policies, and procedures that inhibit student growth and learning. It can be a reality. Now is the time to make it happen! Let’s redefine excellence in education!!
About Brandi Kelly
Mrs. Brandi Kelly is currently a Middle School Principal in the Sangamon Valley School District. Sangamon Valley Middle School is a small middle school in Illiopolis, IL west of Decatur, IL. Brandi began her career as a school social worker in the Effingham School District. She has served as a building administrator in three districts to date: Ramsey School District, Mt. Zion School District, and Sangamon Valley School District. Brandi has been in the field of education for 20 years and has served as a building administrator for 9 years. Her goal is to build teacher and student capacity by providing tools and strategies that empower and inspire others toward greatness!
Brandi believes that everyone can learn and has the potential for greatness. Relationships are incredibly important to the learning process. It is necessary for educators to invest time in students to build relationships in an effort to maximize their influence and impact.
Brandi is a wife and mother of two children. She is passionate about learning, growing, and inspiring others to do the same. She is an inspirational educator and leader and works diligently to empower others each and every day.
