Faught sets the tone at Teacher In-service

“Imagine what this school system would look like if we focused on each other’s strengths rather than our weaknesses?” said Superintendent Greg Faught at this years Teacher In-service at the EHS Performing Arts Center. He addressed an auditorium full of excited teachers and service workers with a message of positivity and possibility.

He surmised that if the school system would build up its strengths it would eventually crowd out its weaknesses. “We don’t need to ignore our weaknesses but I kind of like the idea of building each other up around our strengths,” Faught said.

Instead of focusing on what he expected of his teachers he highlighted what his central office expected of itself.

Initially he explained that they would be about service, contribution, adding value and helping others. Faught emphasized the need for the central office to have a service approach to what was going on at the school. One act of service Faught announced was that the board had voted on and approved releasing allocated funds to teachers for instructional purposes before the start of the school year instead of November, which had been the previous practice.

“We will give our first energies each day to serving our teachers and support staff so you can in turn take care of our students,” he said.

In order to do this Faught said that trust would be an integral part of creating that culture.

“If we don’t work toward developing trustworthiness, we never earn the trust necessary to build strong foundational relationships,” Faught stated.

Faught emphasized reliability as a way for the central office to create meaningful impact.

Faught then transitioned into laying out some core beliefs. “I want to help build an organization that is deeply rooted in what we know is best for our children and not one that is subject to changes…”

Faught pointed out that trying change and trying new things was important but focused on three elements of stability, his big three. He first emphasized relationships, which he said would be built on the foundation of trust. He then highlighted the environment –making it safe, clean and intellectually stimulating. Lastly, he pinpointed quality work, where doing their best work brought intrinsic value to the efforts that the staff made.

“You will hear me talk about relationships, environment, and quality work a lot,” he said, “because those are going to be the things that allow us to establish deep organizational roots so that we can withstand the wind and rain created by constant change.”

In regards to change Faught viewed these three measures to consider. Is it in harmony with the truth, is it implementable in the real world classroom and is it good for the children?”

Faught shared that with these three things he would work in conjunction with his team to be “equal partners in the success of any initiative.”

Lastly Faught urged listeners not to underestimate the power of their influence. “Everything you do, everything you say matters,” he said. “ECS will be a little better or not quite as good because of you.”