As the leader of Horse Creek Academy, I am always exploring ways to make us better. As a lifelong educator, my greatest desire is to build a school where all children thrive, all adults flourish, and our entire school community is committed to continuous improvement. We want to be excellent.
But what does an excellent school truly look like? That’s a big question!
Excellence might mean:
✅ Engaged students who are eager to learn.
✅ Inspiring educators who are deeply invested in student growth and success.
✅ An unrelenting drive to improve every day.
✅ A supportive environment where we uplift one another and foster deeper understanding.
Yes, test scores matter—but our students matter more. Their confidence, curiosity, and ability to navigate the world will be the true markers of our excellence. Their ability to collaborate, to be trusted teammates, and to leave the world better than they found it—that is excellence.
One powerful way to shape the culture and climate of any school, workplace, or even family?
Gratitude.
A 2023 study found that expressing gratitude in relationships directly strengthens our ability to handle challenges and enhances our overall well-being. In simpler terms—when we practice gratitude, we build resilience, deepen connections, and improve our lives.
A Personal Story of Gratitude
In my first year teaching 8th-grade Leadership here at HCA, I was determined to create a classroom where students felt heard and valued. I wanted them to take ownership of their learning and feel like active participants in the process. So, I put up a “What’s Working / What’s Not Working” poster on the wall. It was a simple way for students to share their thoughts—what they loved, what needed to change, and how we could improve together.
Each day, students would write their feedback. Some notes were small: "We need more time for group projects." Others were bigger: "We should do more real-world problem-solving." Then one day, I saw a comment on the “What’s Not Working” side from one of the smartest students I had ever met. It read:
"Your overly happy demeanor is a little off-putting... but it makes us feel special."
At first, I laughed. But then I sat with it. That student had put into words something I never quite realized—I was overly happy. I was enthusiastic, persistent, and maybe a little too much at times. But somehow, even when it seemed “off-putting,” it made my students feel seen. It made them feel special.
That note stuck with me because it reinforced a belief I’ve carried with me ever since: The way we show up for others matters. Our words, our energy, our attitude—these small things shape the culture of our classrooms, our teams, and our schools.
When we built our team at HCA almost six years ago (and wow, has that team grown!), I made a choice: to focus on the good first. I chose to lead our school the way I led my classroom—with gratitude at the center.
The Habit of Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing the good in others, in our work, and in ourselves. It’s about shifting our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.
So, what does daily gratitude look like?
🌟 Celebrating a small win each day. Even on tough days, there’s always something worth recognizing.
🌟 Seeking out the strengths in others and lifting them up. A quick note, a kind word, a moment of encouragement—it all matters.
🌟 Practicing vulnerability—sharing concerns with grace and love rather than frustration.
🌟 Committing to the growth and development of those around you. True excellence isn’t just personal success; it’s building up others along the way.
Gratitude transforms workplaces, classrooms, and relationships. It builds trust, fuels motivation, and reminds us why we do what we do.
A Challenge for You
Excellence is not just a goal; it’s a habit. A culture. A way of being. And it starts with each of us.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
What is one way you can lean into gratitude this week? How can you take another step toward excellence—not just for yourself, but for those around you?