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Leading with Language


Words matter! How we use words matters.

The Leaders of the Hopi Nation in 2000, proclaimed “the time of the lone wolf is over”.  I watched a special on PBS that gave me hope. “American Creed - Ideals that Unite Us” - former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Stanford colleague, historian David Kennedy lift the many amazing stories and different voices that make up the unique fabric of the United States of America - check it out HERE. We are all in this together.

So when I opened my email and saw Dr. Michelle Saylor front and center of Education Week’s Leaders to Learn From - I was excited! She talks about language uniting people - expanding possibility. I love the positive impact of teaching World Languages to all learners. Language matters. Dr. Saylor’s mission to provide opportunities for everyone to experience another culture through the language rings sweet for us in the World of Learning at IU8.

Michelle’s story is well worth the read. Learning a second language does so much to help learners expand their perspective as they prepare to become active citizens in a global world. Check it out HERE.

Reading about how language connects us reminded me of how important it is to make connections! We are all in this together… This speech, A prophecy from the Hopi Elders spoken at Oraibi, Arizona, June 8, 2000 - proclaimed “the time of the lone wolf is over…” I am thankful to see the good in young people. Participating in our democracy. I am proud of my colleagues, near and far, speaking up about connecting to each other. We are living in a time when the ‘river is running fast’.  And as “The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, and keep our heads above water. And [I say], see who is there with you and celebrate.”

Our schools are doing really great work!  We need to do more Celebrating!
The time of the lone wolf is over. Celebrate our schools. Celebrate our children. All Children. Celebrate the big and the little. Celebrate the conversations. Acknowledge the caring, the fear, the uncertainty. Celebrate that we are part of the “American Creed”, remembering that our “ Ideals Unite Us”. We are stronger together. Our schools are good and worthy of our praise. Our teachers care. Our children care. Our communities care. Listen. Listen. Celebrate. Have courage.

Leading through hard times - grappling as Students Are Walking Out to Protest Gun Violence. What Should School Administrators Do?

Listen. Listen to children. Listen to young adults. Don’t try to fix or set straight. Don’t judge. Listen. Turn to wonder. Listen to parents. Listen to teachers. Turn to wonder, again and again. Let silence lead. Speak your truth in ways that honor and respect the truth of the others. Listen. Hug you friend. Hug the person you don’t understand. We are all fighting some battle. Extend welcome. Listen. To each other. Receive welcome. There are no easy answers - and we are all in this together! Have courage.

Tell us what you are celebrating in your school and community. There is so much good! We want to listen – gather courage from your stories and learn.



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