Given that relationships are the most important structures at a school, I work hard to create new relationships, maintain existing relationships, and lean into the established close relationships. Further in all of my relationships, I try to listen and be curious, to see people’s strengths, and to laugh and play as much as I can.
Listen and be curious.
With this value I aim to listen, and ask questions and don’t rush a conversation. I believe I can learn something from anyone- thank you Learner strength (and the less busy I am, the better I am at doing this) . And when I’m not rushed I believe this can happen at any time (thinking back to PD days and driving to sports practices where I’ve gotten a movie recommendation or learned about a place to hike or a new board game to play from a random conversation). If I want colleagues to sit down with me and listen to me so I must do the same for them. In order to do this I recognize at times I must be generous with my time. Additionally, to help speed up this process I believe egos need to be put to the side. I don’t want a colleague to feel as if they need to earn my respect before we can talk about meaningful things- and vice versa- so respect and trust is immediately given.
See people’s strengths
With this value I try to identify what someone does really well and love that person for that. They are now my idol/role model for that behavior. So when I see them, I associate this positive trait, and it instantly connects me to them. I think deep down they are modeling a behavior/trait I would like to do more. If you’re curious about the strengths I see in you, I’m happy to tell you.
To laugh and play as much as I can
With this value, I want to model for students that the fun doesn’t stop just because you’re an “adult”. I want to show that I have friendships, I laugh, and I express emotions. I want to humanize the math teacher persona. And genuinely, I love to play. This is a main reason why I’ve led a club every trimester I’ve been at EPS, why I’ve coached a sport every fall and spring, why I get involved in the faculty-student competitions, and why I’ve led outdoor trips.
