Happy Fall TEPSANs!
It may not feel like fall, but in Texas we sure like to pretend, don’t we?
The word “Shocktober” strikes fear in the hearts of campus and district leaders alike. It generally refers to the increased stress, escalation of student behaviors, and upward trend of staff absences that many schools face in October. As school leaders, we have a choice…Will we succumb and become victims to Shocktober, or will we buck the trend and find ways to persevere?
As TEPSANs, I say we persevere! Our TEPSA theme for 2024-2025 is “School Leaders… the Pride of Texas.” One way for us to combat “Shocktober” is to look for the greatness and courage of our school leader colleagues and to celebrate it. Your recognition and words of encouragement might be just what your peers need to plunge through the morale dip that we can experience this time of year and continue leading with passion and courage.
Here is my challenge to you. Over the next few weeks, look for peers and colleagues worth celebrating and find a way to recognize them. Build them up with a surprise coffee or some much-deserved words of recognition. Even better, celebrate them as the “Pride of Texas” on Twitter/X using #WeLeadTX. Mention me @HiltonCooper, and I’d love to retweet it! This easy shout-out might be just what your fellow leader needs to help put a little fuel in their tank. This recognition is also a great public way to show our communities and our legislators that great things are happening across Texas schools.
On another note, one of the many hats we wear as school leaders is that of educational advocates and engaged citizens. Lead your campus and community by creating a culture of civic engagement! As a school leader, you can share factual, non-partisan information to encourage your staff and parents to vote. View resources on Texas Educators Vote.
Thank you for the work you do each day for our kids, our communities, and our great state.
Cooper Hilton is a principal in Coppell ISD.
