At the end of each year I tend to land on a word I want to intentionally focus on throughout the year. But as the calendar flipped to 2023, I struggled to land on that “one word” yet. There were so many that bounced around my mind. So up to this point in the year, with each passing week, I’ve chosen a single word  as a reflective practice to capture the vibe for my week. Until now, I hadn’t quite been able to land on a word that one word. 

And then, through several conversations with educators, school leaders, school board members, and non-profits this week, my word suddenly appeared. As we discussed the current state of public education I couldn’t help but think back to the fall of 2020. I’d just become a high school principal at this time and I reflected deeply on what really pushed me forward in such a trying time. 

In doing so, I landed not only on my word of this week…but for the YEAR:

PURPOSE

To explain, I’d like to take you on a journey back to August of 2020. Those serving in education, or those with students in schools, likely remember what we faced during those times. There was so much uncertainty surrounding what school would look like. Daily, we faced a logistical circus that kept us running in circles. The list of questions was endless:

• How are we going to ensure every student gets a great education no matter if they are in-person or remote?
• How are we going to train every staff member on a new learning management system to ensure quality lesson design and delivery?
• How many teachers are out today?
• How many members of the admin team have to quarantine?
• For each class period, where will we relocate classrooms when a student leaves class with COVID-19 symptoms?
• Where are the students that have not shown up either in-person or remote?
• Is the entire Tennis, Football, Basketball, etc team out in quarantine?
• And, believe me, the list goes on…and on…and on…

We began the year with all students learning remotely for the first 3 weeks of school, then transitioned to a blend of remote and in-person learning for students. There was a ton of anxiety for educators. While we desperately wanted to regain a sense of normalcy, our entire world was flipped upside down. 

Similarly, parents and families faced the uncertainties of how their students would be educated – the how, where, and when. Unprecedented times became a phrase we’d all quickly grow weary of. We had a deep desire for something, anything, that resembled normalcy. But it seemed as though the normal ship had sailed.

While what’s described above was chaos and, what most would agree, the hardest years we’d seen in public education to that moment in our lifetimes – what was behind that desire to get it right? What pushed me forward as all the questions flooded in?

It was that deep sense of purpose:

To be a relentless champion and advocate for young people and the amazing adults that serve them daily. 

Building environments where students, staff, and families feel loved, seen, heard, valued, and trusted. 

Ensure that every student who walks through the door each day, regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, or any other categorical demographic, has access to a world-class, equitable education. 

Partnering with educators to ensure they have the support, professional learning, encouragement, and requisite tools to provide students with a dynamic, excellent learning environment. 

And when your purpose is strong enough. When there is so much on the line, this is where I’ve found my walk in my purpose to be the strongest. The fall of 2020 was just the next set of challenges thrown in my path. 

Throughout life’s journey I’ve been presented with a great number of challenges. But it was in those moments of chaos, when faced with what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles, that I was able to continue to step into my purpose. That’s not to say that it is always easy. It is not. 

Undoubtedly, every distraction will come your way. Just because you’re pursuing your purpose and doing what you feel is great work doesn’t make you immune to the noise. Some of that noise will be innocuous, and some will be very intentional to steer you away. Either way, be aware of the noise that does not serve your purpose. Remember, oftentimes, when it gets noisiest is when you’re making the greatest impact.

Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you in your pursuit of your purpose – people who act as guardrails to keep you centered and focused. I have been so very fortunate to have several wonderful people who’ve helped guide me over the course of my life. None more critical than my loving wife, Kerrie, over the past twenty years. She has been my rock, standing so firm in moments where I felt lost. I truly don’t know where I’d be without her steadfast support, belief, and encouragement. 

As you continue your journey in 2023, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your commitment to your purpose. For it is in your walk with purpose that you will find the most fulfillment. I wish you peace, joy, and purpose-filled days in the weeks to come.