Declaring Our Independence

The Declaration of Independence was a bold, treasonous move made by the Continental Congress. It is essentially a list of grievances against the British Empire (and specifically King George III), which, when unremedied, led British colonists to declare their independence and launch a new nation. More importantly, it expressed our values and beliefs, and forged our collective identity as Americans.

Fast forward some 242 years, and we now have 50 states, each with its own education system, laws, and regulations. Nonetheless, across those 50 states, we continue to learn and improve our professional practice. It’s time to declare our independence from past practices that no longer fit our current colleagues and students, and forge our collective identity as instructional leaders. Here are ten values and beliefs to get the conversation rolling…

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT:

1. All students deserve a highly effective teacher, in a highly effective school.
2. All students deserve a highly effective principal, in a highly effective school.
3. All students can learn at high levels.
4. All students deserve a safe and loving school environment.
5. All families want what is best for their students.
6. All teachers deserve a highly effective principal, in a highly effective school.
7. All teachers want what is best for their students.
8. All teachers deserve quality professional learning in order to improve their practice.
9. All students, teachers, and families deserve to be heard and respected.
10. All really does mean all.

Join the conversation…what would you add to these 10?