The Important Thing

By Michele Corbat

The past two months have been a whirlwind of opportunities, challenges, reflecting, reading, growing and learning.  In the past two months, I...

...was hired as the new lead learner of Morrish Elementary, 
...delivered my first AND second keynote addresses about building a culture of learning (with my #COLchat friends - Adam & Rod),
...felt helpless as I watched my friends suffering with unimaginable pain,
...read thought-provoking books like The Carpenter by Jon Gordon, Passionate Learners: Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students by Pernille Ripp, The Collected Writings (so far) of Rick Wormeli by Rick Wormeli and Brick House by Danny Hill

The past two months have taught me lessons that I will carry forward and do my best to put into action.  The past two months have been two of the most important months of the year for me.  These are some lessons I have learned. These are some of the important things about the past two months.

The important thing about leadership is the ability to create more leaders. 
It begins with trusting relationships.
It can influence up, across or down.  
It has common traits like honesty, empathy, and transparency.
But the important thing about leadership is the ability to create more leaders.

The important thing about facing fear is growing from being pushed out of your comfort zone.
It peels away an old layer of yourself so you can become something better.
It makes you braver to try things you have never tried before.
It shows you how strong you really are.
But the important thing about facing fear is growing from being pushed out of your comfort zone.

The important thing about friendship is knowing that you are not alone in the world.
It makes you feel better when all that person has to do is be there when you are hurting.
It reminds us how much people care about us and love us.
It brings a smile and chuckle when you are alone thinking about a funny memory.
But the important thing about friendship is knowing that you are not alone in the world.

The important thing about passion is it helps us live our purpose.
It drives us to find answers to our questions and to create.
It brings hope to students when they are allowed to explore it.
It thrives in a culture of learning, but is killed in a culture of compliance.
But the important thing about passion is it helps us live our purpose. 

The important thing about language is it has the power to kill or to give life.
It is a free choice you make every day.
It can shift fixed mindsets to growth mindsets.
It shows those who you love, serve, and care about that they matter.
But the important thing about language is it has the power to kill or to give life.

The important thing about reading is it takes us out of our own minds and into the minds of others.
It is the starting step that prepares us to cook a meal, use a new gadget, or take a trip.
It boosts our imaginations and creativity.
It allows us to gain knowledge and experience from others.
But the important thing about reading is it takes us out of our own minds and into the minds of others.

These are a few of the lessons I have learned over the past two months.  These are a few of the important things.