Belief in Action: Transforming Schools from the Inside Out

What we believe shapes what we do — and in schools, every action matters.

DR. JEN GOWERS
Instructional Specialist

As teachers, coaches, and leaders, our beliefs can define and delineate what we see as possible to achieve. 

What does this mean for our work? We begin with naming and examining our beliefs, because if we want to see positive transformation in our schools, we have to truly believe in reimagining what’s possible. Then, we can follow our beliefs with aligned actions that uplift our classrooms, our schools, our networks, our districts, our communities, our cities, and our world. 

I believe education is the catalyst and the vehicle for a better, brighter world. I believe in relentless optimism, creativity, ambition, and problem solving, and ultimately, in transformative change. I believe that we have a duty to nurture and challenge young people to do and be anything they want to do and be; to open doors for themselves; to shape the world in which we live. I believe in preparing young people for a world that needs them.

I believe in the power and impact of our schools and in systematically supporting leaders, teachers, and students toward maximizing their potential. I believe students are the reason for what we do. I believe in student voice, choice, agency, and empowerment. I believe young people are the heartbeat of our society and I want every single young person to thrive in just the ways they choose for their lives. 

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These beliefs can prompt us to commit to these actions: 

• Listen to and act on young people’s advice. This is what real “school building” looks like. The wisdom of our students moves us forward. They know exactly what it takes to make schools better and they are our most valuable resource.
• Take care of and revere our teachers. Pour into the folks we have entrusted to spend 8+ hours a day with our children. Partner with their parents and families as the folks who nurture them for the other 8+ hours a day.
• Lead with support and purpose, with strong systems, and with a goal of removing obstacles for teachers and instructional staff.
• Be an active part of the community our students, staff, and families need, opening space for everyone to imagine the school at its brightest and fullest potential.
• Go far beyond the low bar of test proficiency. Bring learning to life through performance- and project-based work: write books, invite real editors, stage musicals, and connect deeply to the real world. Invest fully in each other’s learning and growth.
• And maybe most of all: keep the joy. Joy can exist right alongside rigor — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You can play music in the hallways, kindergarteners can skip to class, seniors can laugh in group discussion, and your school can still be filled with high expectations. As is the motto of one of my favorite school leaders: we need love, joy, excellence. And we will succeed.

As we move deeper into the school year, take a moment to reflect: what do you believe? And how will you turn those beliefs into aligned action?