Year End Blog Wordle and My Rock

Every so often, I make up a word splash (wordle) of words that are most commonly used in my blog.  This was inspired by fellow vice-principal Erin Paynter from Ottawa.  The words you use more often are larger than the other less-used words. It is a good way to reflect on my blog and to ensure that my focus of my blog remains what I want it to be – on students and learning.

Here is my first Wordle from July, 2011.  As you can see, my focus was on “students” and “courage”.   Here is my second Wordle from February 2012, with an emphasis on “students” and “twitter”.  As you will see by looking at the Wordle below, my blog focus shifted somewhat in that “students” is not one of the most commonly used words anymore.  My focus remains: on learning and sharing (and the time it all takes). I think the focus has changed somewhat because I have really been concentrating my efforts of the learning of everyone – not just students, but teachers, fellow administrators, and my own learning.

The focus of my latest Wordle (on learning) makes me think of a post by our Director of Instruction, Elisa Carlson.  Her last blog post is entitled, “What’s Your Rock?” In this post, Elisa talks about a rock that she has on her desk in her office on which she has written a couple of words that clearly demonstrate her personal education goal. These are words that drive what she does each and every day. These words motivate her and help guide her work and keep her focused on what is most important in her vision. Elisa’s rock is “Transform Education”. I stand on her rock with her.  I also stand on our Superintendent, Mike McKay’s rock, “Build Human Capacity”.

When I think of my rock, what motivates me and keeps me focused and energized, it must be, “Lifelong Learning for All”.  I believe that continued learning by all members in education: students, parents, teachers, administrator, and many others, is key for our system to move forward and transform. It’s not just about student learning anymore (if it ever was, that is). Without ongoing learning by everyone our system is stagnant.  Without ongoing learning, we will not move forward together. I work hard to help others find the way in their learning.  To do this, I question, encourage, challenge, share, model, support, mentor, and coach.  I am a life-long learner.  I am committed to learning and changing my practise along the way. I am committed to helping others on their journey as well.

Lifelong Learning for All.  This is my rock.

What is your rock?  Whose rocks do you share? Whose rocks do you stand on?