What's Your Mantra? Who are You as an Educator?

As I sit in my office at the conclusion of another school day at Fossil Ridge...which by the way was another GREAT DAY TO BE A T-REX!..I am reminded of the importance of self reflection as it relates to our professional and personal growth. I must admit, today was frustrating to say the  least; I spent the majority of the school day in my office away from students, teachers, and classrooms. Like the rest of you, when I'm in the building I want to be where the kids are, they are the reason I exist as an Educator and Principal! On days like today; and everyone experiences them, all we need to do is take a breath and remind ourselves why we entered the profession, why we have such passion for providing our students with a quality experience, and what our purpose is. Ken Williams essentially describes the answers to these three questions as our "Educational Mantra." "Our Mantra is a statement repeated frequently to aid in concentration of a thought." (Starting a Movement. Williams and Hierck. Solution Tree Press. 2015) Its a small, simple, yet powerful way to share with the world what we are truly all about. So as I reflect today, I wish to shout my professional Mantra as an educator from the highest mountain top for all to hear! Williams and Hierck recommend a short 5 word Mantra to be clear, concise and profound. It can be difficult to share what motivates you as an educator in 5 simple words. However the best part of the experience isn't necessarily finding the "right" words but the actual process of developing your own Mantra; its about the true reflection and purpose that leads to your Mantra (BTW mine is actually 6 words...sorry Ken). So here we go, Jonathan Howell's Mantra as an Educator and Principal at Fossil Ridge Intermediate School... "Passion and Purpose for Student Success!" That sums it up, I exist as an educator because of the kids. It is the kids that drew me to the profession with the hope that I could/would make a difference. I have a sincere and deep rooted passion for students and their individual and collective success. My purpose, our purpose at Fossil Ridge is to ensure that ALL students (ALL means ALL) receive the best education possible. It is our collective responsibility as a school-wide team at Fossil Ridge to provide ALL our students with fantastic classroom instruction and additional learning opportunities, resources and time (when necessary) to meet our purpose of guaranteeing high levels of learning for each and every student! Its not about me, the faculty nor our support staff; its all about the 914 students we serve at Fossil Ridge!  These are the things that continually push me to reflect, strive to become better and focus on excellence. So, here's my advice to all of us...When we have struggles, when we question the direction of education, when we become more focused on state testing than actual student learning, and when we have that day of frustration; simply take a breath, reflect and remember your Mantra.  BE EXCELLENT!!