Like the fact that on Facebook people are sharing things about themselves, and I realize I don't find importance in many of the daily tasks people do. Is it important to make my bed everyday? Sure, if I was having company or my husband worked the same shift. My bed is in use 17 hours out of the day; good luck with that one. I also don't load the dishwasher after every meal, and I'm ok with that. One thing I really worked on this break was to just be in the moment. Don't live in the past or seek the future. Just be still. It's hard! Especially for a servant leader that does everything for everyone else; whenever I can.
I threw myself into guided prayer/meditation in a new app, Abide. It's been a blessing and a daily reminder to be still. This isn't just the still where I focus on my breathing and find peace, it's about finding His peace and love. That's the ultimate goal, right? In this busy world we live in, when our time comes, no one remembers the car, money, degree, or house. It's the love you shared and how you treated people. Today's meditation brought me to this post, how much do I matter?
The net can be heavy, especially for educators. Poverty, broken homes, nutrition, mandates, performance pay, standardized testing...it doesn't stop. There are so many things in our net that can fill our day, turning it into a chaotic spin. But what we must remember is to turn our eyes toward Him and allow Him to guide us. Sounds difficult when you have 25 kiddos in front of you, right?
I've been reading John Hattie over break and trying to learn how to build teacher self-efficacy. Hattie defines self-efficacy as, "The confidence or strength of belief we have in ourselves that we can make our learning happen" (DeWitt, 2016). Our self-efficacy has many nets that can weigh us down, including the leader of the school. I cannot be the rock in the net, pulling on my teachers to the point that they are compliant instead of effective.
I try to lead with the most positive and supportive attitude possible. Giving my teachers a voice, encouraging collaboration, listening to their nets that create a struggle in their classroom, while always keeping my eyes on the Lord. I believe in my staff; I know they make a difference, but I also know that the net is sometimes heavier for some. If my teachers don't believe in their impact, then I have failed as their leader.
So pause the noise and be intentional today. Look for the Lord in every situation. I do matter because I choose my attitude and how it impacts my leadership. It does start or end with my leadership capacity and school climate. My focus is how He would want me to lead and then spreading love and peace for all to feel. If I can build efficacy within my staff, it's a win for student learning. Here's to 2018 and helping teachers see their impact on student learning.
Just Love,
Kirsten
Sidebar:
2 years ago (1/4/16) I lost my dad and vowed to continue the path that was put in front of me. I didn't choose leadership but was guided in this direction. It's a daily struggle to maintain balance of professional and personal responsibilities. I'm constantly growing and learning this job and all the aspects that go along with it. The one thing that has not changed, that I swore would never change, is how I treat people. Dad left us with the message; Just Love. It's found outside my office door and in my home. In every situation, I choose love. Leading a school with a love filled heart is not always easy, but it's my reminder that my eyes are ALWAYS looking toward the Lord, even in the darkest moments.
When my net is heavy, I turn to this song....enjoy!
Casting Crowns (Vevo)
