Educators lead the way in uncertain times

Leadership matters. The crisis our nation is facing has laid that bare.

Those who rush in bravely on behalf of others give us hope in a time of fear. They are the leaders we need to light our path through this uncharted territory.

I see many reasons for hope in the sheer number of people stepping up to lead – doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, social service workers, public servants and educators all working diligently and courageously to take care of their communities.

Public schools have always been the backbone of communities. Their mission to care for the “whole child” means they are not simply educating students, they are attending to each student’s unique physical, emotional and social needs.

This is a challenging mission even when students are in school every day. Doing it from a distance is requiring a whole new level of creativity, tenacity and leadership at all levels.  

“As an organization dedicated to cultivating outstanding leaders, we want to lift up examples of inspiring leadership in action.”

Schools across the country – including our 13 partner districts here in Texas – are doing everything in their power to continue feeding and nurturing students from a safe distance, and to extend learning opportunities and provide emotional support while everyone shelters in place.

Leadership shines in the bus driver delivering meals to children along his route and in the hearts of special education teachers calling families and finding innovative ways to serve students from a distance. Leadership shines in every teacher driving through students’ neighborhoods holding signs that say, “I miss you!”

It also shines in those connecting their school communities in inspiring ways. In Klein ISD, students and staff are sharing their musical talents and reading books aloud on social media using the hashtags #musicallyinKLEINed and #Kleinreads. In Round Rock ISD, choir students have begun CHOIRantine, an effort to lift spirits by singing in harmony with creative use of technology.

As an organization dedicated to cultivating outstanding leaders, we want to lift up examples of inspiring leadership in action.  

Over the next few weeks, we will share stories on our blog and social media channels with the hashtag #TXEdLeading. As we peer into the uncertainty ahead, we should remind ourselves of all the reasons to have hope. Focusing on the bright spots will help us move forward and stay focused on what really matters – taking care of one another.