Hello, All! 👋🏼

Election Day is here in the United States, and it comes with the weight of choices that will shape the future of our communities, our schools, and our country. The rhetoric is intense, the division palpable, and the stakes feel higher than ever.

But in the face of this, one thing remains unwavering: the essential work we do in public education.

Our mission does not sway with the political winds; it’s rooted in a commitment to every child who walks through our doors. Our schools are where hope is built, where students learn to think critically, and where the foundation of an educated, engaged citizenry is laid.

And if all of that sounds daunting, just remember: our greatest power might just be that educators can handle any storm.

I want to leave you with a quote that I recently used to close out my dissertation, which signifies to me the potential of the systems we love so much.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

It’s time to go to work… Let’s roll!

Deep Dive 🤿

Focus + Resilience in Education

Election Day is here, and we all know what that means: endless campaign ads, heated social media debates, and opinions flying around like confetti at a championship parade. But guess what?

No matter who wins, our work in public education does not change. It’s essential - today, tomorrow, and every day after that.

Let’s take a look at how school leaders can stay resilient, focused, and ready to defend our public schools.

Reaffirming our Educational Mission

Remember the first time you stepped into this role? (Probably with wide-eyed optimism and, let’s be honest, a bit of healthy fear.)

You didn’t sign up to get tangled in political debates. You did it because you’re passionate about changing lives, one student at a time. Sure, politics might try to pull us into its storm, but our why keeps us anchored. Most of the students you serve couldn't care less about political parties - they care about being heard, supported, and inspired.

Take a moment today to remind your team of your shared purpose. Tell a story about a student whose life was changed by your school. Reinforce that no election result can ever diminish the impact of a strong, student-centered school community.

Filtering Out the Noise

I get it: the political noise is relentless. Every headline, every tweet, every debate makes you feel like you’re living in the world’s loudest echo chamber. But here’s the deal: you don't have to buy in.

Your job is to listen to the voices that matter most - the ones within your own walls. While political leaders come and go, your daily decisions shape students’ lives right now.

Schedule a '“noise-free zone” today. Turn off the news for a while and tune into your school community. Walk the halls, sit with students at lunch, or pop into a classroom. See the difference you’re making, up close and personal.

Leading with Purpose and Resilience

Political outcomes may shift, but the mission of public education remains vital. We’re talking about the foundation of our democracy and economy. And, yes, we need to defend it.

There are voices out there questioning the value of public education, but here’s the truth: public schools are the heartbeat of our communities. Teaching our students to think critically, to engage thoughtfully, and to become informed voters is non-negotiable.

Incorporate a lesson or discussion about civic engagement and critical thinking. Use this election as a teachable moment. Remind students that being an informed, thoughtful voter is one of the most powerful contributions they will make to our country’s future.

Attacks on public education - whether from advocates of “classical education,” proponents of school choice, or those who want to dismantle the Department of Education - are not just abstract arguments.

They impact our students, our teachers, and our communities. But here’s the thing: we have something to defend. Public education is a public good, one that deserves our steadfast support.

Use your platform to advocate for your people. Share success stories from your school. Remind your community why public education is worth protecting - and why it is essential for our collective future.

Election Day will come and go, but our work in public education never stops. We are the constant, the force that rises above the noise, advocating for every student. Let’s stay focused, stay resilient, and keep doing what we do best: preparing the next generation to thrive, no matter the political landscape.

Track of the Week 💿

Turn on, tune in, and check out…

Click the iPod to check out the track I have on repeat this week. Check out The EDU Files playlist for tunes to keep you rockin’ throughout the week.

Surfing the Web 🌊

Here is my favorite EDU content from the web this week.

I am giving you the week off as we focus on the election results as they come in. 🇺🇸

Feedback 💭

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Before You Go…

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Thanks for spreading the word, and keep up the good fight. The work you do matters.

See ya next Tuesday! 🍏

PS: If you are interested in supporting your school or district with any of the content or strategies in The EDU Files, click here to drop me a note or to talk more.