I believe...
1. Education must have rigor and relevance, but begins with relationship.
2. Mutual respect is essential for learning. Just as the student must respect the teacher, teachers and staff should honor students in all interactions. The Golden Rule is Platinum.
3. Though education is a right, student safety supersedes that right.
4. Decisions should be made with both policy and students in mind, but we should err on the side of the best interest of the student. Common sense makes sense.
5. We have to think outside the concrete. Technology radically alters walls of brick and mortar education, and only by embracing tech tools can education prepare our students for the new global realities. Staff need ongoing training and professional development to know how to most efficiently/effectively use all that technology has to offer.
6. Every child can learn, but not every child learns at the same pace or in the same style. Education should be individualized as much as possible to reach every child.
7. Education is kindling the fire, not filling the bucket.
8. Effective questioning sharpens minds of both students and staff.
9. Communication is key. Cooperative relationships with students, parents, and community members begin with two-way communication and access.
10. Education is customer-service oriented. We are here to meet needs, and do so with both passion and energy.
11. The best educational leaders are servant leaders. They make the hard calls as necessary, but are driven to ensure others' success.
12. Ongoing reflection, introspection, and feedback from colleagues make us more effective.
13. Distributive leadership requires accountability. Inspect, don't expect. Coach and encourage daily.
14. We should admit mistakes, learn, and move on. All educators need to make mistakes to grow, and should be allowed the freedom to fail.
15. A positive person is more effective.
16. We should model the professionalism and character that we expect from others.
17. There should be joy in learning.
18. Education should be connected to business and community often and early. Lessons should have real-world application. Students need connections.
19. Staff should be acknowledged and encouraged regularly.
20. Leadership requires sacrifice.
-Charlene Vermeulen
“Joy in Learning”
1. Education must have rigor and relevance, but begins with relationship.
2. Mutual respect is essential for learning. Just as the student must respect the teacher, teachers and staff should honor students in all interactions. The Golden Rule is Platinum.
3. Though education is a right, student safety supersedes that right.
4. Decisions should be made with both policy and students in mind, but we should err on the side of the best interest of the student. Common sense makes sense.
5. We have to think outside the concrete. Technology radically alters walls of brick and mortar education, and only by embracing tech tools can education prepare our students for the new global realities. Staff need ongoing training and professional development to know how to most efficiently/effectively use all that technology has to offer.
6. Every child can learn, but not every child learns at the same pace or in the same style. Education should be individualized as much as possible to reach every child.
7. Education is kindling the fire, not filling the bucket.
8. Effective questioning sharpens minds of both students and staff.
9. Communication is key. Cooperative relationships with students, parents, and community members begin with two-way communication and access.
10. Education is customer-service oriented. We are here to meet needs, and do so with both passion and energy.
11. The best educational leaders are servant leaders. They make the hard calls as necessary, but are driven to ensure others' success.
12. Ongoing reflection, introspection, and feedback from colleagues make us more effective.
13. Distributive leadership requires accountability. Inspect, don't expect. Coach and encourage daily.
14. We should admit mistakes, learn, and move on. All educators need to make mistakes to grow, and should be allowed the freedom to fail.
15. A positive person is more effective.
16. We should model the professionalism and character that we expect from others.
17. There should be joy in learning.
18. Education should be connected to business and community often and early. Lessons should have real-world application. Students need connections.
19. Staff should be acknowledged and encouraged regularly.
20. Leadership requires sacrifice.
-Charlene Vermeulen
“Joy in Learning”