Elan Academy built something in me that I didn’t know I had.
There was a time when I doubted my abilities and what I was capable of achieving. But Elan showed me that I can succeed, I can be great, and I can do anything I put my mind to. Elan Academy taught me what it means to be a leader.
Growing up, I never saw myself as a leader. Honestly, I didn’t see myself as much of anything. Yes, I had dreams and visions, but I didn’t believe I could actually achieve them… until I came to Elan Academy.
When I first arrived, I was quiet. But deep down, I had so much to say. I knew I wanted to teach, to help, and to be a strong team player for the school, but I wasn’t sure I had what it took. So I watched. I paid close attention to how they taught, the culture, the energy, everything. And I fell in love with it all. I wanted to learn how to teach like that. I was hungry to grow. More importantly, I was determined.
I was coached, step by step. At first, it felt awkward, and I made plenty of mistakes. But on the days I messed up, I went home and practiced until I felt I got it right. The more I practiced, the more natural it became. And then, I saw it working. The scholars were engaged. The class was focused. Everyone was on task.
I couldn’t believe it.
Those tools… and the belief that 100% of my class could be 100% focused? It seemed impossible, but it worked. The 100 Percent Process created strong classroom management. But first, I had to believe in it.
I remember Dr. Clark, the school’s director, would ask us:
“Do you want to go from good to great?”
Good to great? I’d ask myself. Of course, I wanted to be great—but what does great actually look like? What does it take to be great?
One thing I knew: I had to be hungry. I had to have the drive to do this, or it wouldn’t work.
I believed in the vision. I believed in the 100 Percent Process. And eventually, I believed in myself.
And then I heard the words that changed everything:
“Good job. I’m proud of you.”
Elan is big on giving feedback. Even when it was feedback meant to help me grow, I received it, embraced it, and practiced until it became a part of me. I realized that if Dr. Clark and my coach could see potential in me, then I had to see it in myself, too.
They believed I could be great. So I asked myself again:
What does greatness look like at Elan? What does it sound like?
It looks like dedication.
It sounds like every teacher utilizing the 100 Percent Process.
It looks like hard work.
It looks like a united team.
It sounds like enthusiasm and joy.
It looks like Leadership, Enthusiasm, Determination, Achievement, Empathy, and Respect.
Elan Academy teaches all of this, not just to the students, but to the teachers as well.
I had to learn what it truly means to be a leader. And I’m still learning. But I believe in the process.
I believe in the vision.
Do you believe?
Everyone at Elan Academy… young or old, has the potential to be great. But you have to want it. You have to be hungry for it.
So… how bad do you want it?
Do you want it?
Are you hungry?
It’s been 5 years, and I’m still here, now a Lead Teacher in first grade, and I love it. Not just because I’m teaching, but because of where I’m teaching. Here at Elan Academy… I’m still hungry!