1. I'm new at this whole Assistant Principal thing, and
2. I'm super excited to be new at this whole Assistant Principal thing.
I've been practicing being new at things all summer long so that I have an appropriate frame for my growth mindset. For example, I:
- made my first, second, third, and fourth pie crusts. Yes, it took four attempts, because I didn't have it right...yet.
- auditioned for a play and was cast as two characters: a man, and a 97 year old housemaid. I didn't have experience playing a man or a 97 year old housemaid when I was cast...yet.
- made my own costumes for the play. I'm a seamstress, but a very basic one. It took several seam rippings and several days, but I got there. I didn't have experience making my own dress ever when I first opened the pattern...yet.
I've been purposefully making my growth mindset be put into action so I can feel what it's like to have an entire year of growing. I did this to practice for my own growth and to also understand that when I ask any of my colleagues to try a new idea with me, that I'll be "at home" with the feeling of "I've never made a pie crust before, and it's okay if it takes me four attempts."
To continue my mindset into this new Assistant Principal adventure, I found this sketchnote (side remark: I'm quickly becoming obsessed with sketchnotes...I want to learn so many new things so I can make one!!!) and I've used it to create a personal pledge for our first year as #teamjowell.
I pledge to do my best to work together to make Jowell better than it was last year, better than it was last week, and better than it was yesterday. Above all else, I want you to know that I deeply value you as a expert practitioner and I value the things that make you you. Always ask me "Why?" or ask for more details. And if I'm ever unclear or wait to long to give you an answer, always rush through my open door and make sure your needs are being met. I want to be able to answer your questions of "Why" with complete honesty.
I will adore all the Jaguars--both small and tall--for the things that make us different from each other and for the things that make us a cohesive family. I'll be as transparent as possible with you, even if it means me saying that I don't know an answer...yet. If you take a misstep, I will coach you with tact to help you grow through that mistake, and I hope you will do the same with me. I want you to take risks, and--most importantly--I will appreciate you for trying and growing from your trial. If you try something and it's a disaster, I'll be the first to hand you a Kleenex and peel off the Band-Aid wrapper!
Thank you for welcoming me as part of your jamboree.
I can't wait to see what mountains we will be able to move together!
#teamjowell