Leadership, like learning, is cyclical, a process of reflecting, refining, and rebuilding
One of the most reliable things about November is the continual darkness and the hovering chill of cooler weather. We have not quite swung into the festivities of December, and October is but a distant memory. November, however, has always felt like a time to take stock and be grateful, to build, refine, and rebuild.
Take a moment out of your hectic day, and take in the sounds of learning as they have settled into a rhythm. These are the moments when you could reflect on what is going well, what needs refining, and what might need to change.
Across the province in elementary schools, reading assessments have been completed, class review meetings have occurred, interventions are well in place, and the work of learning is taking shape. In middle and secondary schools. students are well into the pace of their courses, assessments, and all things extra-curricular. The first parent-teacher interviews are done, and in homes across B.C., families are taking their own stock, noticing what is working, what needs attention, and what can be improved.
As leaders, we are called to do the same: to pause and examine our own practices, our professional growth, and our well-being. Here is a framework to guide your thinking.
1. Purpose
- What drew you into school leadership, and what continues to motivate you?
- What values or principles guide your decisions, especially in complex moments?
- When do you feel most “in the flow” in your leadership work?
2. Impact on Learning & Culture
- What evidence tells you that your leadership is making a difference for students and staff?
- What are you doing to build a culture of learning in your school and amongst your colleagues?
- Where have you seen shifts in practice because of your leadership?
3. Relationships & Team Growth
- How are you intentionally developing the capacity of your team?
- Who gives you honest feedback, and how do you act on it?
- What actions are you taking to support your own well being?
4. Reflection & Continuous Learning
5. Vision & Next Steps
- What is one area of your leadership that you would like to strengthen over the next six months?
- What support or professional learning would most help you move forward?
- How do you see your role evolving within your district or the broader system?
- What legacy or impact do you want to leave in your school community?
November invites us to mindfully pause and prepare for what comes next. In this in-between season — leaving behind the trappings of early fall, and looking ahead to the festive lights of December — we have a valuable opportunity to reflect, replenish, and rebuild.
Wishing you time for quiet reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose as you continue to lead with courage and care.