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work through challenges, and pushed Schools are more than bricks and mor- Family - Teachers feel that the people
us using team-building activities that tar. They are comprised of administra- they work with are more than cowork-
helped form bonds when we returned tors, teachers, aides, and custodians. ers. They are family. The relationships
to the district. The former cadets and Educators must work cooperatively formed at work go beyond the work-
retired army officers have invigorated with the community to inspire and day and into their personal lives. There
the administrators and given us the implement a shared vision of student is a sense of belonging.
tools to inspire our teachers when the success. Each school has a prideful Freedom of Action - Give teach-
school year begins. history of the teachers, boys, and girls ers the freedom to pursue what they
The army believes the motto “Mis- who previously walked the halls of the believe is best for their children. The
sion First, People Always” is the right building leaving only to pursue future faculty and staff were given instruc-
balance to get the job done while endeavors. tions that empowered them to take
also taking care of its soldiers. To be Willing Alignment action on a decision after answering
successful in education, the same the following four questions:
motto can be employed. The mission, According to TLDG, high performance 1. Is it legal and ethical?
educating the whole child, must also army teams acquire members who 2. Is it beneficial for students?
come first, while simultaneously taking want to do their best. They have a
care of our own soldiers, students and willing alignment to the mission. These 3. Am I willing to be accountable for
teachers. teams, or for our purpose, schools, this decision?
have leaders who promote six key 4. Is it consistent with the mission
Mission First points that align the teachers. and vision of the district?
We were taught at West Point that sol- Clarity of Purpose - Teachers work If the answer to all four questions is
diers live by the code — duty, honor, long hours and sacrifice much be- “yes” then they do not have to ask for
and country. Similarly, educators have cause they find meaningfulness in permission — they already have it.
a strong sense of duty and honor their calling. Their purpose, to educate Fun - The most important component
while also having an allegiance to their and nurture children, aligns with their to a successful school is that the
schools. soul, or calling, and they feel fulfillment teachers enjoy coming to work. If they
It is the duty of educators to provide a as an individual, as a member of a are not having fun overall, their misery
quality education to their students re- department, and as part of the school. will eventually seep into the class-
garding the four “A’s” that comprise a Lead From the Front - The leaders of room. Allow teachers ample opportuni-
student’s educational experience: aca- today do not lead from the rear. They ties to enjoy what they do.
demics, athletics, arts, and activities. lead from the front. They are the tip of
The key to a successful educational the spear and are willing to put them- People Always
experience is to balance the four “A’s” selves on the line or in harm’s way to We are inspired through the relation-
with the values and goals of family protect the teachers and children from ships formed at work that help us get
and community. Together, an effective outside forces. through tough times. We are honored
learning environment is developed Mastery - Teachers want to become to give to a community, educate the
to produce an educated young adult masters at their craft. Master teach- next generation, and be a part of the
who will be a lifelong learner able to ers are able to get “in the flow” and long line of educators that came be-
contribute positively to society. teach beautifully constructed lessons. fore us. We enjoy success because of
To educate a child effectively requires Offering relevant professional develop- our teachers from the past, the teach-
a tremendous amount of collaboration ment and allowing them to meet with ers we currently work with, and look to
and effort from the child, family, school, colleagues at conferences or in the the teachers who will be joining us in
and community. These relationships building allows them opportunities to the future. Teachers and administra-
are the honor educators bring to the develop lessons that best serve their tors have a common purpose of devel-
profession. Honor, formed through students. Leaders need to encourage oping children, building strong relation-
relationships with students through an and accommodate teachers by letting ships with colleagues along the way,
educator’s craft, helps mold students them experiment and fail without con- and enjoying their time in the schools
into the model citizens and virtuous sequences. This will lead to mastery. educating the future of tomorrow.
people we want them to be.

About the Author
Thomas Gorman, Ed.D., principal of Ridgewood High School, has worked in public education as a
social studies teacher and administrator for 20 years. He earned a B.A. from Muhlenberg College, a
M.A. from Montclair State University, and an Ed.D. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
His wife, Maggie, has been a physical education and health teacher at Ramsey High School for 25
years. Together they have three teenage children - Sean, Hagan, and Shea. He can be contacted at
tagorman58@gmail.com.

Educational Viewpoints -91- Spring 2019