The Energy Bus for Schools
Novemeber 2016
Principle of the Month: #3 Drive With Purpose
Is Your "WHY" Strong Enough?
This month we introduce Principle #3: Drive With Purpose. Now that we are in the Driver's Seat and we know where we are going (vision) it's time to reflect on our personal WHY.
Why are you driving this mission? What are you passionate about? What brings a smile to your face? All of these questions are meant to help you refocus your attention to your desires where you feel most purposeful.
As a principal, I often had my team participate in exercises that would help them to connect with their purpose as so many times when we are bogged down in our day-to-day task we sometimes forget our WHY, which could leave us feeling unmotivated, unsure of ourselves, and directionless.
I recall one activity in which teachers were asked to think about their Why (or purpose for becoming an educator) and write it on a brown paper bag. Many of them had an opportunity to stand and present their Why as they related it back to a memorable experience that impacted their life in some way or another.
Afterwards we displayed our Why bags on the bookshelves of the library where we could read and share in the personal stories and aspirations of our teammates. We had the opportunity to leave positive messages inside the bags as a way to show appreciation for one another's passion to serve.
Later that year I had the opportunity to attend the TASA/TASB Convention (Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Board) in Dallas and was inspired by the story of the keynote speaker, Dr. Bertice Berry, an Award Winning Entertainer, Lecturer, and Comedienne.
Ms. Berry reinforced this message of purpose as she shared her personal story growing up poor and angry in Delaware where she was the sixth of seven children. She revealed that she was told by one of her high school teachers that she was not college material. In the same story- Ms. Berry informed us that there was another teacher who believed that she was destined for much more and the one teacher who saved her life!
Ms. Berry not only graduated magna cum laude from Jacksonville where she was awarded the President's Cup for leadership, she also earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Kent State University at the early age of 26.
During her presentation, Ms. Berry reminded the audience that when you see your job as your purpose or a calling—it’s not about what you receive, but what you give. She informed us that when you’re walking in your calling it’s not always easy, many times you’ll get hurt along the way, but through it all you should always look through the frame of gratitude.
Looking back and reflecting on her speech, I could actually feel a strong sense of purpose, a heartfelt Why as she shared her inspirational story. Her Why inspired me to do more, be more.
I meet and talk to people all the time who tell me of their aspirations to become a leader or assume a leadership position. They tell me that they want to become a curriculum specialist, administrator, or hold a district level position. When I probe a little further and ask for their Why-- they usually say something like “…I’ve always wanted to help others” or “I just want to do something different.” Are these Whys strong enough to make a difference? In other words, is your Why strong enough to trigger different actions (or reactions) within yourself?
Let's face it, if you want different outcomes - you will need to change your thoughts and then take action. Coming to work and doing a good job does not lead to you assuming a new role or getting more out of your students or your teammates.
Those that earn the achievements they want -walk strongly in their Why and they spend very little time on When something will happen. When you have a strong Why you feel purposeful and alive! You are not bitter or blaming others for your circumstances, but instead you are grateful for the challenges as you see them as opportunities to become better.
If you want to do something different – be different. If you want different results – you will need to make different decisions and take the necessary risks.
Today- reflect on your Why. Does it influence those around you to do more? But more importantly- does it inspire you to do more? Why or Why not?
With something to think about. Make it a great week or not. The choice is yours.
Niki Spears
Activities for Students to Reinforce Principle #3: Drive with Purpose
It is important that students understand that everyone has a unique gift to share with the world. Those unique talents and abilities help shape who we are and what we contribute to those around us. When talking to your students about Principle #3: Drive with Purpose - have students reflect on their WHY. Start the conversation by having them share what brings a smile to their face and what is important to them. Other ways you can reinforce Principle #3: Drive with Purpose include:
Activity 1: Talk about your passion and why you became an educator. Share with students your personal characteristics and interests that led to the person that you are today. Have students share their personal interests or have them write them down on a sheet of paper or using a graphic organizer.
Activity 2: Have students write about people they admire, their heroes. Looking beyond the individual's fame or money or looks- what is it about their values and beliefs that stand out? Explain to students that their attraction to these people tells us something about themselves. Have them consider qualities they may have in common or qualities they wish to display.
Activity 3: What problems do you want to solve? Have students think of problems in school, their home, communities, or the world they that wish to solve. Ask them to think of ways they could use their unique talents/abilities to find solutions.
Activity 4: Share your district or school mission statement with students. Inform students that the mission provides people with the schools purpose or why we exist. Have students write their personal mission statements. You may extend this activity to come up with a classroom mission statement.
Activity 5: Have students interview one another as to build collaboration and get to know others. They may ask questions such as:
- What do you like to do?
- What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
- What are you good at?
- If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
Remember- focusing on our personal WHY is a great way to encourage and promote self-esteem while infusing our rides with positive energy. Everyone has a gift- as an educator it is up to us to help them discover this gift and share it with the world.
October Challenge Happening NOW!
In honor of Principle #2: Create a Positive Vision, you are invited to design a poster or create a board demonstrating this principle in your school. You should take a picture of your team's creation and post it on Twitter.
The picture should be posted by Monday, October 31st at noon. I will tally all LIKES from Monday, October 31st through Monday, November 7th at noon and all points will be added to your team's total.
The grand prize is a school-wide pizza party that will be held at the end of the school year!
Thanks for participating and good luck!!
End of Year Bus Stop - Leadership Day
Team,
The End of Year Bus Stop is a Student Leadership Day where you showcase all the wonderful things you're doing to promote leadership on your campus. This event can be planned during the school day or after school.
The purpose of this event is for students (K-12) to share with community members, families, district leaders and others how The Energy Bus for Schools Journey has impacted their learning in the first year.
This could be a good activity for The Energy Bus Task Force to begin planning and considering. We suggest you choose a date in April or May - closer to the end of the school year.
Some ideas for this day could include the following:
- Student Speakers (students may speak on their favorite principle and how it has impacted them)
- Student Performances ( Sometimes music teachers will help students create songs that support the principles from The Energy Bus or you may have other clubs that would like to showcase student talent)
- School and classroom tours performed by students. During tours - students share school bulletin boards and provide Guest with information about bulletins posted around the school. There could also be classroom tours led by students where they share information from their data trackers with Guests. The goal is that these are student led.
- Message from Principal/CEO
- Panel Discussion - close with a panel discussion. Panels can include students (one primary and one intermediate) teacher, and parent. Guest may pose questions to panel about The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey.
Remember- the goal of the End of Year Bus Stop is to provide others with information about The Journey while celebrating your school's success!
Please think of a date in April or May in which you may perform the End of Year Bus Stop for your campus so that we may add to our calendars.
If you need assistance with planning- please don't hesitate to contact me.
The Energy Bus for Schools Webinar
Team,
We hope you can join us on November 9th as we feature you doing our FREE Energy Bus for Schools Webinar where you share how The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey has impacted your school this year! Please let me know if you are unable to attend so that we may plan accordingly.
Please share this information with other schools in your district- Sign up here http://energybusschools.com/webinar/
Thanks for all you do!
November Challenge - Principle #4: Drive with Purpose
Team,
As we reinforce Principle #3:Drive with Purpose, your challenge will be to post a short video of your team, students, or parents sharing your school's mission (your why).
Videos should be posted on Friday, November 18th and LIKES will be tallied until Friday, November 25th!
Good Luck!