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As a proud member of our school community, I believe it’s time to spotlight and ask ourselves what the power and purpose behind our core values: inspiring, empowering, and accelerating all students and staff. These are not just buzzwords to print on banners; they are commitments that should shape the daily experience in our schools.

To inspire means to ignite a sense of wonder, curiosity, and purpose. In practice, this should look like teachers who are encouraged to innovate, students who see themselves reflected in the curriculum, and a culture where passion and creativity are celebrated. It should not look like rote learning, outdated practices, or a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves both students and staff disengaged.

To empower is to trust individuals with voice, choice, and responsibility. In a truly empowered school, students are encouraged to lead, problem-solve, and advocate for themselves. Teachers are treated as professionals with autonomy and meaningful input in decision making. Empowerment should not look like micromanagement, exclusion from key conversations, or systems that value compliance over growth.

To accelerate means more than speeding up—it means removing barriers and unlocking potential. This looks like strategic support for students who need it, enrichment for those ready to move ahead, and targeted professional learning for staff. It should not mean cramming content, teaching to the test, or overlooking foundational needs in the name of quick results.

When these values are lived fully, our schools become places where learning is joyful, progress is personal, and every individual is seen and supported. Unfortunately, this is not what is currently happening in our schools. Now more than ever, our students and our teachers deserve better! Let’s continue to hold ourselves accountable to that vision—not just in words, but in action. Please show your support for our students and teachers!

Shirley Morgan

Austin, MN