​I’m not satisfied. 
 
I find myself in a constant state of reflection. 
 
I’m not satisfied with myself as an instructional leader. I don’t spend as much time in classrooms as I’d like.  I’m not satisfied with my communication with parents and students.  I want to find a way to connect with them on a more personal level.  I’m not satisfied with the feedback I provide teachers. I wish I had more time in my day to sit with teachers and discuss their needs as professionals.  I’m not satisfied with the way we utilize technology.  I want my teachers to have easy access to technology tools for all of their students and more time to plan new ways to use the technology we do have.  I’m not satisfied with the professional development opportunities that I provide for my staff. I’m just NOT satisfied.  My list of dissatisfaction could go on and on.  To say the least, I’m dissatisfied and I’m pretty happy about it.
 
That’s right!  I love being dissatisfied.  It means that I’m growing.  It means that I’m not willing to accept the status quo.  Being dissatisfied means that I’m questioning, revising, refining, and reflecting.  It means that I’m uncomfortable and being uncomfortable means that I’m learning and changing. 
 
As I embark on this new school year, I hope I uncover many more things to make me dissatisfied.  And, I hope my teachers and students are dissatisfied, too.  I hope we continue to strive for more.  I hope we push ourselves to do things we never thought we could. 
 
May we all be dissatisfied and may we all be driven enough to do something about it.

 ​My five year old twin daughters were getting ready for their first soccer practice of the season on Wednesday evening.  They were making sure they had the most fashionable soccer gear to wear and as they were working out their outfit choices, I overheard them having the following conversation:
               
                Twin 1-I’m excited about starting soccer!  Are you?
                Twin 2-Yes, I can’t wait but I’m a little nervous.
                Twin 1-It’s okay, remember, if you fall down just get up and be brave.  That's                             what mommy told us when we were learning to ride our bikes.
                Twin 2-And, the first time is the hardest, just keep trying!

​As I heard these words of wisdom from my five year olds, I thought my heart would burst!  It was amazing to hear these words come out of the mouths of my little girls.  And, I was reminded that, our children are listening.  We have the power to impact their mindsets.  As educators we must choose our words wisely and remember that we can’t waste a moment with our students.  Our words have the power to shape the people they become.
 
Here’s to a great school year! And remember--

If you fall down, get up and be brave!
The first time is the hardest, just keep trying!