New Year's Resolutions for 2009

I should probably make a resolution that I will be more faithful toward posting to this blog. However, I do not want to make promises I cannot keep. So here are the resolutions that at least have a chance of being fulfilled:

“I want to get to know my fellow educators better. I want to meet with them more and give them an opportunity to vent about their classroom problems. We're all in this together and the more we collaborate the better. I resolve to make certain that our schools are giving students the skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st century workforce.

“We have an obligation to our children to properly prepare them for the jobs they will apply for when they leave our schools. Those jobs may not be the same as those in existence today. We must prepare our students by exercising their creativity, innovativeness, and ability to collaborate with others. The superintendency is my role, not my identity.

“With all eyes on me, it's easy to take it personally, so I resolve to not take issues or criticism personally. I will discern the difference between who I am and what I do so that I can stay in the game when the going gets tough. I will work hard on my listening skills by looking beyond the words of others for the real issues and any opportunities for advancement. Being a good listener means being in the present and not waiting for an opportunity to speak.

“I will remember to take care of myself: eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. I will find the time to reflect on my work and myself; in order to recalibrate, reenergize and return to the work. Finally, I will remember that this work has a higher purpose as an advocate for children and ultimately as an advocate for the future of our proud country.”