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By Dr. Joey Page

Austin Public Schools Superintendent

Brené Brown defines a value as “a way of being or believing that we hold most important.” She says, “Living into our values means that we do more than profess our values; we practice them. We walk our talk—we are clear about what we believe and hold important, and we take care that our intentions, words, thoughts, and behaviors align with those beliefs.”

In each of these updates this school year, we have focused on one of Austin Public Schools’ Core Values (Learner, Communicator, Contributor, Responsible, Resilient) and how the Strengths-focused work we are doing, in partnership is helping us walk our talk. During the 2024-2025 school year, we have aligned our intentions, words, thoughts, and behaviors with our values. Particularly as it relates to Strengths focused development, we have:

LEARNER – Challenges self to think critically

We have fostered a culture of curiosity where we seek to understand each person’s unique nuances and complexities.

COMMUNICATOR – Listens actively and shares learning and experiences.

We have allowed staff to observe their behaviors of themselves and those around them, engaging in conversation about how they execute, influence, think, and relate to others.

CONTRIBUTOR – Engages as a productive member of the community and global society

Staff have been encouraged to leverage their innate talents in how they show up in their personal and professional relationships, roles, and responsibilities. A strengths-focused contributor actively seeks out environments that match their talents, knowledge, and skills and where they can put those strengths to work.

RESPONSIBLE – Demonstrates accountability to self and others

Staff are responsible for maximizing their potential and drawing out the potential in those around them.

Self and staff are spotting talents in their behaviors, utilizing their natural talents in their current roles, advocating for themselves amongst their peers and with leadership, and consciously applying their strengths as challenges arise.

Others – Staff are calling out and encouraging talents they see in others, thoughtfully shifting the timing and intensity of responses based on learning about the behavior of others and collaborating more consciously and confidently.

RESILIENT – Develops perseverance and self-confidence

We have committed to helping staff know their innate talents, own what is right about who they are and how they are wired, show up as the best version of themselves, and grow into their greatest potential. This process of Strengths-focused development fosters resiliency.

Next school year, we will continue supporting staff in their Strengths-focused development. We will deepen our commitment to viewing people’s innate talents as assets, framing our thinking about ourselves, students, colleagues, and our community in “what is right.” Finally, you may find this Gallup Resource helpful.