President's Perspective

REFLECT, REVISE, AND RECHARGE: CLOSING THE YEAR WITH PURPOSE

Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President

As the school year winds down across the state, now is a critical time for school leaders to pause and reflect on the past months. What initiatives moved the needle for student achievement? Where did teams face the greatest challenges? Reflection isn’t just about celebrating successes or identifying setbacks—it’s about using those insights to drive meaningful improvements. By taking time to assess instructional strategies, student data, and school climate, administrators can create more intentional plans for the year ahead.

Revising and refining systems, processes, and goals is a natural next step. Whether it's adjusting professional development priorities, enhancing communication with families, or refining school safety procedures, thoughtful revision now can lead to smoother implementation in the fall. Engaging teachers and staff in this review process fosters collaboration and empowers them to take ownership of changes, ensuring that everyone starts the next school year on the same page and with a shared sense of purpose.

But before diving into strategic planning for August, it’s equally important to take a step back and recharge. School leadership demands long hours and emotional resilience, and summer provides a rare opportunity to truly relax. Whether it’s a weekend on the lake, an evening barbecue with friends, or simply a few quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and no email, investing in rest is not a luxury—it’s essential. A well-rested leader sets the tone for a positive and energized school culture.

As you close out this school year, give yourself permission to reflect with honesty, revise with courage, and relax with intention. Our students, families, and educators are counting on your leadership—but they’re also counting on your well-being. Here’s to a restful summer and a powerful return in the fall.

It has been an incredible honor to serve as the AAEA President for the 2024-2025 school year. I've truly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated educators and leaders across the state who are passionate about making a difference for students. This role has deepened my appreciation for the work we do and the strength of our professional community. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so meaningful. I hope you have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you at the our AAEA summer conference.