What is E4?

Welcome, Hoover City Schools administrators and teachers, to my new blog.  This is how I will communicate my monthly memo/newsletter for teachers from now on.  I will make a post informing you about November happenings soon.

Why did I choose the title of this blog?  Well, I have been investing a lot of thought and study in the areas of emotional intelligence, equitable services for all students, and excellent instruction delivered on a consistent basis.

• Empathy: Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, posits that in order to have EQ (emotional intelligence), a person must possess empathy (awareness of others' feelings, needs, and concerns) as well as self-regulation (managing one's internal states, impulses, and resources).  Not only must we educators demonstrate our own EQ, we are compelled to help our students develop EQ as well.
• Equity:  Our school system is a microcosm for our nation.  As the nation has become more diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion, so has our school system.  We have an obligation to make sure that ALL children are treated fairly, have access to a guaranteed curriculum, and receive equitable instruction regardless of the school they attend.  
• Excellence:  Isn't this what our school system was founded on?  Almost 25 years ago the citizens of this community agreed to support a new system in many ways, including paying higher property taxes, because they wanted more for their children.  Our students deserve the very best cutting-edge instruction that we can provide. 
• Everyday:  Consistency and persistence are among the keys to teaching with empathy for equity and excellence.  I love this quote from Richard Allington, "Are we creating schools in which every year every teacher becomes more expert?"  I would go one step further and ask, "Are we creating a school system in which every year every district administrator and every building administrator become more expert?"  I know I certainly haven't arrived yet, and that's why I depend on my professional reading, networking, and collaboration with other educators both within our system and others to keep me current.  

I look forward to communicating and collaborating with you in a new venue.  As always, let me know what I can do to be of service to you.  I appreciate your hard work and the dedication you have to the students and parents of our school system.  Leading schools and teaching students are among the most fulfilling but difficult jobs in society.