by Amy Brennan

On August 18, 2016 #G2Great welcomed Dr. Tony Sinanis to guest host Part 3 of a 5 Part Series: Exploring Seven Big Ideas to Maximize School Wide Potential.  Through our leadership series we are exploring the impact of administrators as lead learners.  This blog post was inspired by Tony’s leadership and provides a place for thoughts, reflection and learning.

 

In the midst of  preparations for the upcoming school year and the beginning of my second year as an administrator I took a moment this morning to sit back, breathe in and remind myself of my “One Little Word” for 2016…grateful.  I am grateful for those before me, who I can look to for inspiration, guidance and hope.  Dr. Tony Sinanis is a leader who inspires through his passion for learning and his passion for doing what is best for kids.  His guidance comes through in so many ways; his one to one conversations, his presentations, his blog and his books.  Dr. Tony Sinanis shows us that there is still hope in education. This hope fills me and lifts my perspective and I remain grateful for the leadership that Tony demonstrates.   I knew that I needed to write these words, and today once again Dr. Tony Sinanis has spread his positive leadership in a way to empower others to be leaders.  Check out his first tweet below to see the energy he brings!

Connect, Inspire and Support

As I look back and reflect on Tony’s message three things come to my mind — CONNECT, INSPIRE and SUPPORT

Connect

Connections are essential to the human spirit.  We desire connections and we thrive with connections because relationships are essential.  Through Tony’s leadership he shares the importance of relationships.  Tony values and nourishes relationships because he understands how these shape culture.  As a connected educator Tony values the role of social media and utilizes social media to share the story of his community.  Social media is a tool to extend and build more connections beyond the walls of your own classroom, school or district.  Face to face conversations are even more important to building relationships than ever before.  Connecting with all stakeholders and investing in relationships is the first step to building a positive school culture.

Inspire

We become inspired when we see someone who cares so deeply and has authentic, strong beliefs that cause us to take action or create something.  Being transparent in our beliefs, goals, as well as our own learning can inspire others.  Keeping kids at the center of their own learning, rather than “teaching” opens doors to inspire everyone in a community to take on the life of a learner.  Living as a learner inspires others and when kids are in the center how can you not be inspired?   Tony inspires educators, parents and students each and every day through his leadership.  

Support

Providing guidance and support are critically important when facilitating  any kind of learning.  Adults and kids need to feel safe and supported in order to take the necessary risks in order to learn. Empowering others to take risks as we learn and  lead strengthens the overall learning organization in ways that benefit students.  This creates ownership, and when we own our learning that is when we grow.  Tony shares with us the idea of supporting voice and choice for learners.

Through his enthusiasm you can feel the energy and passion that Dr. Tony Sinanis has for students, parents and teachers.  His commitment to learning is demonstrated as he shows us what it means to truly be a lead learner.  I have been fortunate to connect with Tony on Twitter  and meet him and listen to him share his passion at Long Island Connected Educators, I have read his blog and books.  Tony’s generosity in sharing his passion and ideas is inspirational.  I return to my “One Little Word” for 2016 and I remain grateful that through our leadership series we are exploring the impact of administrators, like Tony who are lead learners — leaders who show us the direction and invite us to learn and lead.  It is through this that I find inspiration, guidance and hope.