Monday Messages
Reflections on Life, Leadership, and Learning in Our Schools
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As I was rocking my daughter to sleep I couldn't stop thinking about how much she trusts me (and mommy!) to do right by her. The trust is something that is felt without words. The actions and consistency with which we exhibit care are something that is invaluable. She trusts that we will not let her fall and that no matter what position we hold her in, playing or sleeping, she trusts that we will keep her safe. She knows deep down inside that as she falls asleep on me that she will wake up in a safe place. Trust is something that builds bonds and makes teams & families stronger. Once somebody lies, even once, that bond is broken and sometimes irreparable. As you go through your daily obligations, let's remember that your actions define who you are. When teaching your students please remember that your consistent care and positive demeanor are felt by your classes. The level of trust you establish with your students can make or break your year. Once they know that you want them to succeed and you will do whatever possible to make it happen, they will respect your methods for getting them there. There will be tough times along the way, where you will have to set someone straight. Resistance may be avoided if your approach with that student is appropriate and a high level of trust exists. Why as we get older do we trust less and less while becoming more jaded with all that we witness in school and our personal lives? Why do some of us feel that our teacher evaluations won't have a teacher's best interest at heart? School building administrators should want you to trust the process and want you to succeed. They should use every opportunity and piece of evidence to put teachers in a positive light. Just as my daughter knows she is in a safe place, you should know that you are in a safe place wherever you are teaching. You should be able to trust that administrators will not let you fall and will provide whatever support you need along the way.
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About the Book
While living the “code of conduct” in our high school of over 2,400 students, it was easy to see that procedures can only be enforced when the principles behind them are fully understood. The human side of education is something that is lacking as we prepare for state assessments and bring attention to those who conduct themselves inappropriately. The microcosm of a world we live in within our schools sometimes makes us rigid and non-trusting due to the need to control student behavior. We have found in our high school that student disciplinary referrals decreased by 50% because of the trust that was achieved with our students. By using life lessons in the formal, curriculum based education process, you not only promote good morals and values, but you remind people that there is a bigger picture. The weekly messages, quotes and vignettes contained in this book will hopefully inspire you to not only be a better educator, student or coach but also a better person for your family, friends and co-workers. It is important to reflect on our behavior since our reputation is based on our daily interactions and habits. I have never heard of anyone who has bought back their reputation once it was lost. Leadership by example, at home and in the workplace, along with an “ego-less” demeanor, will allow us to be great leaders, both in our schools and personal lives.
About the Author
Lou Antonetti graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 with a BA in economics. He then earned his school administration degree and is currently the principal of one of the largest high schools in New York State. He resides in Suffolk County, NY with his wife Christina and two children, Savannah and Charles. You can also follow Lou on Twitter: @sachemhseast.