Non-negotiables are ideas, actions, and expectations that I feel are imperative to the success of an organization. I believe in keeping things as simple as possible. So, my list is short. However, each item is manifested in many ways throughout the course of a school year.
Do what is best for kids- ALWAYS.
Many times adults make a decisions based upon what is the easiest solution or the least expensive fix, or the fastest to implement. These are all valid points to consider when decisions arise; however, the leading question that must be answered with a resounding "YES!" is "Is this what is best for kids?" What's best for kids doesn't always mean doing what is popular or common. Sometimes it means going against the grain.
Be respectful.
This seems like a given. When I say be respectful though, I mean that everyone in the organization must show respect for each other. This includes students, teachers, support staff, parents and leaders. We are a team building the best educational experience for our students, the least we can do is build that foundation upon respect and trust. This sets the tone and expectation for our students. If we want their respect we also have to give them our respect.
Model integrity.
If you say you're going to do something- do it. At the school I work at, the harsh reality is that many of our students have adults in their lives who do not follow through. They see adults blaming others for their actions/situations, making irresponsible choices, and placing adult problems at the feet of their children. We cannot control these outside factors. What we can control is the example we set at school. When we model taking ownership for our actions and words we show students that integrity matters.
Be honest with yourself and your colleagues.
While it can take time for colleagues to gain each other's trust I believe this working relationship is critical to improving our craft. Being honest with ourselves about the effectiveness of a lesson, or the action we took that may have escalated a behavior rather than deescalated it is key to making growth as an educator. One of the best resources are our colleagues, when we are comfortable enough to reach out and ask for insight or tap into expertise great things can happen in classrooms.
Do what is best for kids- ALWAYS.
Many times adults make a decisions based upon what is the easiest solution or the least expensive fix, or the fastest to implement. These are all valid points to consider when decisions arise; however, the leading question that must be answered with a resounding "YES!" is "Is this what is best for kids?" What's best for kids doesn't always mean doing what is popular or common. Sometimes it means going against the grain.
Be respectful.
This seems like a given. When I say be respectful though, I mean that everyone in the organization must show respect for each other. This includes students, teachers, support staff, parents and leaders. We are a team building the best educational experience for our students, the least we can do is build that foundation upon respect and trust. This sets the tone and expectation for our students. If we want their respect we also have to give them our respect.
Model integrity.
If you say you're going to do something- do it. At the school I work at, the harsh reality is that many of our students have adults in their lives who do not follow through. They see adults blaming others for their actions/situations, making irresponsible choices, and placing adult problems at the feet of their children. We cannot control these outside factors. What we can control is the example we set at school. When we model taking ownership for our actions and words we show students that integrity matters.
Be honest with yourself and your colleagues.
While it can take time for colleagues to gain each other's trust I believe this working relationship is critical to improving our craft. Being honest with ourselves about the effectiveness of a lesson, or the action we took that may have escalated a behavior rather than deescalated it is key to making growth as an educator. One of the best resources are our colleagues, when we are comfortable enough to reach out and ask for insight or tap into expertise great things can happen in classrooms.