Week 2 - Grounding reflection, empowering action

This week, I wrapped up my Ed.D. Communications course (taught by  Dr. Deanna Fasset). The course went deeper than I expected and revealed many opportunities for growth. It also reignited my commitment to disciplined reflection. As an educational leader (or any leader, for that matter), we must stay in praxis: a concept from Paulo Freire, described as “a continuous cycle, a spiral, of action and reflection” (freire.org).  

This week also afforded me a few days off to relax and go camping. Stepping away from the daily hustle is essential to deepen my self-reflection. It allows me to confront and own the barriers I create for myself (and begin to move them aside) so I can stay focused on my purpose in education, not bogged down or driven by ego.


While writing my final reflection for the course, I was able to clearly articulate that in order to influence principals more deeply in my work, I must build authentic relationships and plan alongside them. Without relationships, equity-related questions are often met with compliant, surface-level answers. But I’m striving for transformational action and commitment: the kind of dedication that leads to real outcomes for students. I know that relationships are the rising tide that lifts all boats. I’ve seen this in every class I taught and with every teacher I supported on-site.

This research, this doctorate, this dissertation—it brings me back to the heart of my love and faith in education as a place of healing. A place where relationships and the shared co-creation of knowledge are the foundation for equity and transformation.

It’s easier to reflect when the work schedule is lighter and there’s time to rest. But this reflective time must serve as fuel—to empower me to stay committed to actions that move equity forward across school sites.


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