Lead or be Lead

After last weeks State of the State Address by Governor Fallin, Oklahoma educators across the state were shocked and disappointed, and some were downright confused. We hear words like 'support' and 'deserve' when referring to education funding and teacher pay. However, we also hear terms like 'consolidation' and 'Education Savings Accounts' that fly in the face of the aforementioned words of support, and we are seeing hundreds of bills presented that would further damage our public education system in Oklahoma. In light of these challenging times in public education throughout our state and entire nation there are many ways that we could react that range from anger to simply quitting. However, I have but one challenge and one call to action for each and every one of you: Be a Leader.

You can never forget why you got into the serious business of educating the future of Oklahoma and of America. The task you have chosen is not an easy one, never has been and never will be. If you aren't asking yourself in a positive way on a nearly daily basis 'why am I here?', then you can so easily lose focus and be enveloped by the hardships of education and the negativity surrounding it. But, in the face of it all: Be A Leader.

How are you inspiring others? Are you? Right now more than ever, our students need leaders to rise up in their classrooms, in their schools, and in their communities. They need leaders that lead with passion and innovation, never sacrificing an opportunity for them to succeed no matter how shortchanged we may get and always going the extra mile to ensure that every student has the best you can offer. Our students need leaders that inspire others to lead and challenge them to get engaged with those making the rules of the game. Our students need leaders that will create a groundswell of support for their schools and the vital job they do each and every day for our state. Our students need you: Be a Leader.

Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others. -John Maxwell

One of the greatest downfalls of any organization or society is poor leadership, as well as citizens simply being content with being led by someone else. I challenge you to not let someone else make your decisions for you because you simply sit idle. We desperately need more engagement and more voices to be heard from every corner of our state. Be a leader.

Be engaged in the process and equip others with the tools to be engaged as well. Be a statesman, someone who is both informed and respectful in the process of spreading the message of why public education is important and a worthwhile investment. Be a voice for the voiceless and unheard, for we have many of those in each and every classroom on every campus throughout our state. Be efficient in what you do and be good stewards of what you entrusted with. Tell your story to anyone that will listen and keep telling your story to those that aren't. Lead your community and school to rise above the fray, and lead others to do the same. Today, not tomorrow, our kids and our future need you. I challenge you today and tomorrow: Be A Leader. We need you.