Jeff Howard

The first day of school is quickly approaching! Teachers, here are ten important reminders as we mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves for today and the days ahead. 🔹 Many parents are doing the very best they know how to do - not the best they can YET, but the best they know how. Help them become their best for their kid. 🔺 Parents are sending us the best they have. Kids deserve the very best we can give them. Replace criticism with compassion. 🔹 Don’t tell a child, “You know better.” Oftentimes, they don’t. Teach them, don’t shame them. 🔺 Do whatever it takes to reach *that kid*. If you can reach *that kid*, you can reach all kids. 🔹 Kids didn’t sign up for a distracted, negative teacher. Give your students the best of you, not what’s left of you. Take care of yourself first so you can better pour into your students. 🔺 There will be a child walking through your door this morning who desperately needs a champion. Love them enough to learn their story and redirect their pathway. 🔹 What you say about your school and the people who fill it will either carry or trample the banner. There is no in between. You are the beginning of your school’s reputation. 🔺Connection over content. Always. In that order. But don’t fall prey to thinking content doesn’t matter. Education is the GATEWAY. 🔹We all fall down, but just because we have fallen doesn’t mean we have failed. We fail when we choose to not stand back up. Find your grit. 🔺Be positive. It’s as simple as that. We have the most important job in the world - the job that prepares the next generation for all future jobs. You’ve got this! Now get out there and kick butt on the first day and every day after that! Let’s GO!👊🏼 [The night before school starts always gets me in my feels. Below is a picture of me my first year as a teacher, in my first classroom, on my first day. 😉🤍]

As we prepare to return from spring break, please remember to affirm yourself. Setting these intentions in prayer, and claiming excellence in my service accordingly. In a season of fervent prayer, do not forget to cover both your leadership and campus.