Executive Viewpoint

Remember Your Purpose!

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

Being an administrator in Arkansas education can have its ups and downs. If you focus on the downs it can get you low in a hurry. We all know that administration is more than managing schools, overseeing budgets, leading people, or implementing policies. Our work is about shaping the future of education, supporting students, and fostering an environment where teachers can do their jobs in a way that grows students. You must first grab onto the fact that you are not all-powerful. There are things that you can influence and things that are out of your control. You must also remember that you have a purpose on this earth. The fact that you are in the roles that you are in means that your purpose is supporting the education of all students and not just having a job you kinda, sorta like. I love watching Law and Order SVU. One person who seems to know their purpose and goes all in every day is Captain Olivia Benson. No matter what situation she is in, the core of what she was put on this earth to do is to support the victim and bring the perp to justice. That is it, and that is all.

Sure there are jerks she has to work with and higher-ups that make policies and decisions that affect her ability to do her job. No matter the obstacle, she keeps her focus and finds a way to live her purpose. Captain Benson has been doing it for 26 seasons. I guess she only needs two more before she is eligible for full retirement or she can T-drop…Ha! Finding your purpose in education can be a transformative experience that drives your passion, commitment, and leadership. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed and spinning your rudder, it may be that you have lost sight of what matters in our work. Hint, it's the kids!

A helpful exercise is to sit quietly and reflect or write down on paper why you chose this path. Was it a desire to improve educational systems? A commitment to student success? A passion for leadership in academic settings? I first got into education because I loved helping people learn what they were struggling to understand. Now, every call, text or email I get from a fellow educator asking a question brings me great joy to help them find an answer. I enjoy getting to provide professional development and grow our future leaders. Understanding your core motivations will help you sift through what brings you happiness in your work and what activities you need to minimize.

It is also important to identify what your strengths are and where you would like to grow. Education administration can be so diverse and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. You may enjoy curriculum development or community engagement. I always like to look back at things like the LEADS 2.0 rubric or some other leadership rubric and mark things that I feel I do well versus where I need to learn. There are all kinds of things to learn and be a part of as an administrator. Do you know how to build an efficient master schedule? Can you develop a budget that meets the needs of all students with input from stakeholders? Can you develop a facility master plan? Can you lead a PD session on developing a curriculum for differentiated learning? I could go on and on. You see, lots to learn and room to grow.

Often you could find yourself disconnected from the sole purpose we exist as educators. Hint #2, it's the kids! One of the most effective ways to find purpose in your work is to stay connected with students, teachers, and staff. Listening to their needs, challenges, and aspirations can do two things. Reinforce why your role matters and identify what you need to change in your local system. Open and consistent communication ensures that your leadership has a tangible, positive impact. This will help you align your purpose with your district's mission and vision.

The education landscape is always changing. Changes can distract you from your purpose and get you down in the dumps. One way to combat that is to commit to continuous learning. Attending professional development workshops, networking with peers, and staying updated on educational trends can deepen your understanding and inspire new approaches to leadership. When you think about your network it is important to consider mentorship. Having a mentor can provide guidance, wisdom, and support as you navigate challenges. Likewise, mentoring aspiring leaders or young educators can reinforce your purpose and contribute to the growth of the field. Maintaining the status of a learner while paying it forward by teaching those coming behind you helps to achieve great balance.

Finding your purpose is a continuous journey that can quickly be derailed by some school crisis, angry board member, nasty social media post, or unstable home life. Staying connected to your motivations, strengths, and the needs of your educational community can help you lead with passion and support student learning positively. Be like Captain Benson for your students. She lives her purpose no matter what! I know you can too.