Rare is the person who implements well someone else’s vision.  On the flip side, most will move heaven and earth to make something happen that is their idea.  Vision is best when it is created together with leadership and all those meant to make it happen.  I believe that teachers have a well-developed vision of excellence in our schools, along with their principals.  Teachers in Granite School District schools do not just show up, put in their time, and then let the chips fall where they may. Rather, they work to affect outcomes because they believe they are the impetus for learning. Barth believes that high achieving schools have “teachers and principals (that have) become independent variables, to initiate as well as to respond” (Barth, 1991, p. 124). Teachers in our great schools take ownership of their students and the outcomes they help them to achieve. The learning outcomes are not a fluke, and they are not something that just happens. If tough things stand in the way of learning, our great teachers work to find solutions to remove the barrier. They own the situation, and they own the results. They take that ownership seriously and make the necessary improvements to practice such that student achievement rises.  The shared vision between teachers and principals is one of high expectations and amazing results.  I have seen this in action in our schools and it is magic for the student academic outcomes.  I so appreciate the hard work teachers give week in and week out trying to ensure all students achieve at high levels.

Principals in our district work tirelessly as well to help our students and teachers. Much of what they do is unseen and unnoticed.  I want them to know we see them, and we notice.  I hope you will identify something your principal does and share it with me so that I can recognize them for their efforts and impacts on behalf of teachers and students. This link will allow you to share something great about your principal. All principals who receive a nomination will be notified and get to hear the lovely things you have to say about them!

This week I want to recognize one specific individual for the amazing things she does for her school.  She is Jen Johnson from Hunter High.  Here is what some of her teachers said about her:

“There are leaders who inspire, guide, and shape the future of both students and educators. Jennifer Johnson is one of those exceptional leaders. As a principal, she exemplifies the qualities that make a school thrive—passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to what’s best for students. Having been a teacher herself, Jennifer truly understands the classroom and the challenges that educators face. She brings this invaluable experience to her role as a principal, ensuring that her decisions are always made with the goal of supporting both teachers and students. Her ability to empathize with the teaching profession and keep the needs of students at the heart of her work is one of the many reasons she is such a respected leader. Jen’s passion for education is matched by her commitment to data-driven decision-making. She consistently uses data to fuel meaningful discussions, helping her team set clear goals and track progress. Her approach ensures that the outcomes of those discussions lead to real, measurable improvements in student learning and achievement. In an ever-evolving field like education, Jen’s focus on actionable data allows her to make decisions that are informed, relevant, and impactful. Beyond her role as a principal, Jen is an incredible mentor. She takes time to nurture the growth of her staff, offering guidance and wisdom to those who seek it. Her mentorship creates an environment of continuous learning, where educators feel supported in their professional journeys and are empowered to grow. Jen’s leadership is not only about management or academic outcomes; it’s about creating a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared vision. She leads with a steady hand and an open heart, always striving to do what’s best for the students and staff she serves. Thank you, Jen, for your dedication to education and for the incredible impact you’ve had on all of us. Your leadership has shaped a brighter future for so many, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.”