The Greek Philosopher Heraclites once said that “your character is your destiny.” I believe this to be an appropriate maxim for us to follow as we chart a new vision and pathways for success in educational achievements and outcomes for AISJ. At the heart of this vision is the belief that all students can become successful learners and that all teachers can become successful leaders.
The overall mission of AISJ can be best served when it reflects a holistic orientation to education. All students bring a different set of intelligences, abilities, passions, and skills to the learning environment. In order to maintain, inspire and involve students at any level it is critically important to design curricular activities to engage these students with a variety of learning styles. I am committed to the development of students as scholars and teachers as leaders in personalizing learning environments sustained by a foundation of principled education pedagogy. An inherent part of my vision therefore is to insure that we are all focused on helping children become who they are.
I believe strongly in the development of the whole child emotionally, socially, physically, and academically. Character development is an essential element of this belief and an integral part of my vision for AISJ. People of character seek to discover the truth, decide what is right and demonstrate the courage and commitment to act accordingly. The true measure of a person, in my view, is reflected in this very important value set. I want all of our students at AISJ to become students of character.
I also believe in setting the foundation for a sustained and substantive transformation of education and pedagogy that can be the rubric for overall teacher success in a variety of environments. Effective leadership in teacher education begins with a demonstrated commitment of delivering a quality program for each teacher to realize success through measures which reflect accountability and productivity.
Recruitment and hiring are at the core of delivering and sustaining quality education. I will make it a priority to insure the appropriate level of quality is maintained as teachers and administrators are hired and recruited.
The basis for an enhanced educational experience is where the teacher interacts with each student in the classroom. It will be essential for teachers to feel comfortable applying new technologies and approaches to teaching and learning. My vision includes creating the environment to make that happen. Managed correctly, this vital element can have a positive impact on not only keeping the best possible teachers for AISJ but also further advantage the very student population we want to succeed.
Fundamentally, my vision for AISJ can be summarized by three overarching concepts: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships. By rigor, I mean maintaining and sustaining a balanced and challenging curriculum that will lead to overall success in student performance. An inherent component of this concept is accountability and productivity from all staff and faculty. By relevance, I mean establishing processes and procedures for a rewarding educational experience for everyone which is sustained by a school organization that effectively implements substantive administrative policies. By relationships, I mean that we are in the people business. Creating an environment which fosters a climate of openness, trust and teamwork, among faculty, staff, students, parents, and board members is how I envision our relationship together.
Performance = Rigor
Process = Relevance
People = Relationships
Finally, my vision for AISJ is informed by my view on what a quality educational experience brings to all of us. A quality education weaves all concepts into one and reveals the interconnectedness of everything: science, technology, politics, language, philosophy, art. It is a thread directly connecting the learner to the past, and the possibilities of the future. It offers the chance to view life in both new ways and old ways. It expands the mind and sets it free in the world of thought, in the world of possibilities. Ultimately, through a quality educational experience, we are all connected to the essence of being.
It is my vision therefore to foster a fundamental belief of learning for learning’s sake for the entire AISJ community. By creating an environment of inclusion that inspires and empowers all students, teachers, administrators, and parents to reach their full potential, our character as a school will shape not only our own destinies but the destinies of those who follow us.
I look forward to working with all of you as we become part of this noble endeavor to shape a new vision and future for AISJ.
