Dear Florida Charter School Leaders,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how deeply gratitude and connection shape the fabric of our lives and our work. In our roles as educators, administrators, and board members, it’s easy to become consumed by the daily demands, challenges, and relentless pursuit of excellence. But this season, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the power of gratitude—not just as a feel-good practice, but as an essential foundation for resilient, wholehearted leadership.
Gratitude as a Courageous Practice
Gratitude is more than a fleeting moment of “thank you.” It’s a practice of recognizing what we have, in the here and now, and anchoring ourselves to it. As school leaders, cultivating gratitude requires vulnerability—it means acknowledging the efforts of others, embracing the imperfections in our systems, and celebrating victories, big and small.
When you express genuine appreciation to your teams, you reinforce trust and connection. And trust is the glue that holds a community together, especially in education, where stakes are high and resources can be stretched thin. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to practice “catching people doing things right.” Look for those moments when a teacher stays an extra hour to mentor a student, or when a staff member offers kindness without being asked. Pause. Acknowledge it. Let them know they’re seen.
Creating a Culture of Gratitude and Belonging
Leadership isn’t just about strategy and outcomes; it’s about creating an environment where people feel they belong and can thrive. And a culture of gratitude is integral to that. When people feel appreciated, they’re more willing to show up, to take risks, and to contribute their full selves. Gratitude transforms relationships; it turns teams into communities and workplaces into safe havens.
For many of us, the past few years have been marked by uncertainty and fatigue. The challenges of navigating education through a pandemic and beyond have tested our endurance. But in these moments, gratitude has the power to ground us and remind us that we’re not alone—that we’re in this together, working for something larger than ourselves.
Reflecting on Your Own Practice
As you think about gratitude this Thanksgiving, consider not only how you show it to others but how you practice it personally. How often do you pause in your day to acknowledge your own hard work? How do you express thanks to yourself for the ways you show up? Remember, leading from a place of gratitude starts with you.
Journaling a few things each day that you’re thankful for can reshape how you view your work and your life. It can be as simple as “I’m grateful for the student who smiled at me today” or “I’m thankful for the laughter I shared with a colleague.” These moments, when strung together, remind us why we do what we do.
Moving Forward with Heart
As you gather with your families or simply take a moment to rest this Thanksgiving, know that your work, your courage, and your care are seen and valued. Your commitment to the students, teachers, and communities of Florida’s charter schools is not only appreciated—it’s essential. You are cultivating the kind of connection that changes lives, and that is something to be profoundly grateful for.
With heartfelt gratitude,