Learning at the Heart

One week ago, a group of teacher leaders completed their two year study of literacy coaching and leadership, a journey of learning and self-discovery as educational leaders. Our culmination and commemoration included the writing of personal mission statements of coaching or leadership. Our statements are an artifact of all we have learned, believe, and aspire toward in our professional roles.

We’ve all seen mission statements. I have no doubt that the schools and organizations you are a part of have mission statements. Generally, these mission statements include an overarching vision, a statement of core values, and a statement of goals and objectives. When articulated and used as an anchor for behavior and decisions, these mission statements provide focus and direction.

Years ago, while attending a Thinking Strategies Institute at the PEBC (Public Education and Business Coalition) in Denver, first grade teacher and author Debbie Miller encouraged us to write our personal mission statements. In Teaching Day by Day: 180 Stories to Help You Along the Way, Donald Graves encourages us to know the things we will say “no” to in order to be clear about the things we will say “yes” to. More recently, Simen Sinek’s Find Your Why book and TED talk have been inspiring individuals around the world to reflect and articulate their beliefs.

So, one week ago a group of us, gave this a try. We took the time to reflect and think about what we stand for as educators and leaders. We used ideas and prompts from Elena Aguilar (www.brightmorningteam.com). We considered what is important to us, why we do the work we do, and the kind of impact we want to have. We wrote and then we read each other’s statements. We gave and received feedback to one another. And in the process, we deepened our connections with each other, understanding one another in new ways.

I can’t speak for the colleagues I was with a week ago. We’ve all gone off to our homes, in countries spread around the globe. I can say, however, how I intend to use my mission statement. My mission statement is a beacon and a filter, providing a guiding light for the kind of leader and educator I want to be and reminding me of what is most important so I can let go of the things that are less important. It is an anchor, keeping me grounded and there for me in moments of uncertainty or challenge. It is also a mirror, helping me to reflect on my behavior and interactions and hold myself accountable for the things I do and say.

And while it does make me a bit nervous to expand the audience and put this out to the world, if you are interested, here is my personal mission statement.

Don’t forget, you can become member of a community of educational leaders and coaches by requesting to join the Learning at the Heart closed Facebook page.