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Future Ready Reflections from a Principal

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I had the pleasure of attending a Future Ready Institute last week in Albany. It was a last minute decision to take the drive and spend two days learning with Future Ready Schools and the Friday Institute. A decision I will never regret! Whenever there is an opportunity to be in the same room as Tom Murray, Mary Ann Wolf, and Tony Sinanis, you take it!  Here are my big takeaways and reflections from FRS Albany.

What is your why? If you know why you do the things you do everyday, then you can uncover your purpose, and living with purpose means focusing on things that matter most. As educational leaders knowing our purpose drives us to take on challenges that will stretch us, as much as they will inspire us. When we are powered by a clear purpose, there is little we cannot do. Mary Ann asked us to record our why statements. Which I am glad she did! Here is my why. All students need access and opportunities to an education that will empower them to be the best version of themselves. I want all kids to live a happy, healthy, and safe life. Ultimately, I want to break the cycle of poverty. I know personally, how education has changed my life, by providing me with opportunities, and I want the same for all kids.

Tony’s keynote reminded me as the principal of the school I need to be engaged! Visible is good, being present is important; however, being engaged is required. In order to inspire the school community, and improve the learning, you need to be engaged. An engaged principal can tell the school’s story and celebrate all the awesome things happening in their school. These key points from Tony’s presentation reminded me that our kids need and deserve an engaged leader. That is why I pledge to be a #FutureReady engaged leader for the students, teachers, and parents of John F. Horgan Elementary School. #weRhorgan@HorganKnights

EDITOR’S NOTE: There are still spaces available at upcoming FRS Institutes. Register to join us in a location nearest to you – it’s FREE!

This blog is a reposted with permission from Principal Aha! Moments.

Dr. Nicole L’Etoile is an elementary principal in West Warwick, Rhode Island, and a Future Ready Principal Thought Leader.  Prior to becoming principal, Nicole was an assistant principal, academic dean, mentor to new teachers, and a business & technology educator for 12 years teaching in New York, Texas, and Rhode Island. Dr. L’Etoile earned her doctoral degree from Johnson & Wales University in Educational Leadership. Her dissertation title was Superintendents’ and Principals’ Perceptions of Using Social Media to Build a Brand Presence.