A Radical Truth for the New School Year
You Are What Truly Matters
My years in education taught me a profound lesson: the most valuable thing we bring to our work isn't our curriculum knowledge or our impeccable lesson plans. It's our humanity. I remember those early mornings, driven to be "perfect," and the late nights spent sacrificing my own well-being and happiness for the job. We often believe that to be a great educator or a powerful leader, we must pour endlessly from a well that's constantly running dry.
But I've come to understand a simple, radical truth: you do not have to sacrifice your well-being and your happiness for your career. In fact, the most impactful leaders and educators I know are the ones who are whole, who prioritize their joy, and who show up with a full heart. This isn't a sign of weakness; it's a model of strength.
This year, whether you're at the front of a classroom or guiding an entire school, let's choose a different path. Let's embrace wholehearted education and embodied leadership, not as new buzzwords, but as the lived practice of protecting our light so we can truly shine it on others.
Lessons I've Learned:
The AWARE Principles
Authenticity & Presence
I used to think being a good teacher meant having all the answers. But my students taught me something else. They taught me that my greatest impact came from simply being present—fully there, with them, in the moment. Your people—whether they are students or staff—don't need a polished superhero; they need a real, authentic human. My belief is that when we show up with our genuine selves, we give others permission to be authentic, too. That's how we build trust and connection. That’s how we transform education.
Well-being & Finding Center
For so long, I saw well-being as something to be managed. Now I understand it's a state to be cultivated. It’s an act of self-love. I learned the hard way that I couldn't pour from an empty cup. This is where finding your center comes in. It’s a quiet superpower: the ability to find a grounded, centered presence that allows us to meet each challenge and consciously choose our response. This isn't about avoiding difficulty; it's about honoring your own needs so you can show up whole. As a leader, modeling this is a gift to your entire community.
Alignment & Purpose
In the midst of the day-to-day grind, it's easy to forget why you started this journey. The mountain of paperwork and the endless to-do lists can obscure the view. I had to find my way back countless times by reconnecting with my "why." It's an act of aligning my actions with my purpose and values—a deep love for learning, a desire to empower others, and a belief that every person has something to offer. Let that love be your compass when the path feels foggy and the burdens of the system feel heavy.
Resilience & Support
There will be days that test your resolve. Believe me, I've had them, and those experiences taught me that resilience isn't a solo sport—it's a shared journey. It's built not by what we do alone, but by the community that surrounds us. It's the shared laugh in the hallway, the listening ear of a colleague, and the simple act of letting someone know you see them. We were never meant to do this work alone. This year, let's commit to building that community, walking this path together, offering support, and having the courage to lean on one another. This is where we find the strength to show up each and every day and engage in this important work.
Empowerment & Impact
My journey also taught me that before I could empower anyone else, I had to find my own power. This isn't about control or authority; it’s about a deep belief in your own capacity to create positive change. When you choose to show up with a whole heart and a grounded presence, you don't just teach empowerment—you embody it. Your students, your colleagues, and your community see that you are the living proof that one person's commitment can create a ripple effect of confidence and strength.
A Final Note, From My Heart to Yours
You are more than a job title. You are a human being with a big, beautiful heart, and that is your most powerful asset. What you do in your career matters, but who you are matters infinitely more.
This year, I hope you remember that your peace, your joy, and your well-being are not a sacrifice you make for the profession—they are the very foundation from which your greatest impact will spring. If you are ready for a deeper dive, to transform this journey into a shared experience, let’s connect. AWARE is here to walk this journey with you.
Thank you for all that you do. Now go forth and lead with grace, teach with passion, and show up with all of your beautifully imperfect humanity.
This year, don’t just teach the lesson. Be the lesson.
