Howdy TEPSANs,
May I begin by expressing what a tremendous honor it has been to serve as your TEPSA State President this year. The duties of the President of our Association include work such as leading efforts to grow membership, helping to approve and monitor the budget, guiding the hiring and evaluation of the Executive Director, and so much more. With those responsibilities also come the opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and representative for our Texas school leaders.
That role of being a voice for elementary and middle school leaders has been the duty I have cherished the most this year. I set out last June with the mission of championing the work of our school leaders and drawing attention to the constant dedication and grit that the role requires. My presidential theme this year has been “School Leaders… the Pride of Texas,” and that theme was meant to showcase the passion and skill of our TEPSA members.
As we wrap up another school year, I encourage you to reflect proudly on the work you have done. You have served and led your school community with determination, humility, and countless high-fives and hugs. That work, however, is not finished.
I would like to wrap up my Presidency with one very practical tip for a strong conclusion to this school year and a smooth transition to the next. My advice is to begin your summer break with a solid plan to rest and disconnect. Balance is the key to longevity in this role. Or put another way, balance is burnout’s kryptonite.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed or in a particularly busy season, my wife likes to reframe my thinking with the simple phrase, “Ebb and Flow.” By this, she means that there is a natural rhythm to the school year, and we must take the busy with the slow.
Therefore, I invite you to stop what you are doing and make a commitment to disengage (even if just for a little) during this summer. You’ve persevered through the “ebb,” now embrace the “flow.” Go ahead and schedule your breaks/trips/time away. No really, I’ll wait…You have poured so much of yourself into the role this year. You and your family deserve a break.
I will see you soon at our annual TEPSA Summer Conference and can’t wait to connect. In the meantime, thank you again for trusting me to lead our Association, and thank you for being the “Pride of Texas.”
Cooper Hilton is a principal in Coppell ISD.
