1. Believe

 I believe teaching is a relationship and relationships require respect.  A relationship where there is respect is one where there can be learning and social/emotional growth.  Any educational environment needs to cultivate and nurture healthy relationships first and foremost as the foundation for learning.  School should be a place where students want to be, are comfortable to take risks, feel secure when making mistakes, and know they play an active role in the learning process now and always. Students, families and the community trust educators with their precious years of care and learning to prepare for an uncertain future. As leaders, we must facilitate a school culture built on the honor to be entrusted with the task of preparing students with skills to succeed, build relationships and demonstrate strong character as citizens.