1. Hello,FellowEducators,Non-ProfitVolunteers,andCommunitySupporters!
The bestjob I everhadwas principal of anelementarycampus!Whata wayto impactyounglivesbygivingthema
dreamto guide theirdecisionsastheygrow. It wasawesome! Ilearned that every childcan learngiven the
opportunityto do soin a positiveenvironment. I am passionate aboutfindingthe kidsatthe bottom, andfiguringout
whatwill helpthempull themselvesuptograde level goals. Iadmiredprincipalsas akid,and continue tolookupto my
peers. Itis a trulythanklessjob,butthe rewardisinfinite.
Two Decadesof TESTED Beliefs,andof these thingsIamcertain:
Core Belief #1 – We have to figure outwhatstumpssome of ourstudentsinreading. EARLY!
It reallyislife-threateninginourcurrentworld tonot be able to read. Thinkon thisfor a couple of minutes.
Sometimes studentdonotstruggle until intermediateandmiddle schoollevels—whatthen?
Let’sschool ourselvesonthe myriadwaysstudentswhostruggle toreadneedinterventions. We needelementary
expertiseEVERYWHEREinthisregard!
Core Belief #2 – When we intenselyinvestigatewhatthe readingproblemmaybe,we canbetteraddressitwiththe
mindset,“Let’sworkasa team of specialists,andhelpthiskidmove tograde levelorabove.”
Core Belief #3—Studentswill live up,ordown,toexpectations.SuccessParallelsExpectations! Keepthemhigherafter
each goal ismet.
Core Belief #4—We learntogether. Learningjusthappensmore naturallywhenwe promote eachother!Andchallenge
each other! Professional Developmentisunceasing,and itishow our brains grow and innovate.
Core Belief #5—Teamsachieve more—faster. Whenwe bandtogetherandfigure outhow we grow,itis easier tomodel
the behaviorforour students. There isalso sensitivity tostudentswholearndifferentlywhenwe understandthe
differencesinourselves. Again—modelingrespectisa win-win. AndIlike expediencyandworkdiligentlytowarditinall
aspects.
Core Belief #6—If a leaderfocusesenergiesonmakingteammemberspapertaskseasier,there ismore time forfocus
on people. Thishasbeenasuccessful strategyforme formanyyears. (W.E.Demingphilosophy,Ithink?
Core Belief #7—We shouldalways be improving. PartIIof thisbelief isthe inevitable dutytopaperwork. A student’s
recordsare like the clothesonhisback. Are we sendingall-weathergearwithourgraduates,enablingthemtodeal with
any newreceivingschool?Orare we “skimming,” andleavingthe studenttoputitall togetherlater?Maybe? DATA
drivesimprovement forindividual students. Learnit.Use it. Recordit.AND-- Show itoff whenitprovidesthe shine!
My goal is to become a memberof a teamthat challengeseachothertonew heights.Iamalsoinquisitive abouthow
the brainretainsinformation,andhowmanydifferentwayswe all learn. Wouldyouwantme onyour team?Checkout
some of my projects,andyouwill see thatI enjoygoingabove-and-beyondforthe sake of ourstudentsandour
community.
The bridge builderinme maybe evident. “Leave itbetterthanyoufoundit,”isone of myfavorite mantras.
Contact me if you believe Icanmake your teamstronger! You mightbe interestedinmynextproject!
Lisa West