Lead.
However, at Brookwood, we see a much broader view of “leader.” We know that leadership takes many, many forms, and we want each of our students to see the leadership potential in themselves.
Last year, I attended an employment fair for teachers. My job was to interview each of the 60 candidates for two minutes and then determine who I might invite to Brookwood for an interview in the event that we had an opening in their field. Every candidate with whom I spoke was qualified, and most had teaching experience.
However, only about ⅓ of these candidates -— potential educational leaders — could shake my hand, look me in the eye, and introduce themselves at the same time.
When people are asked to describe a “leader,” their description might include the following attributes: someone in authority; a person with credentials; a public speaker; tall; grey-haired.
And, truly, there are leaders who fit this description.
However, at Brookwood, we see a much broader view of “leader.” We know that leadership takes many, many forms, and we want each of our students to see the leadership potential in themselves.
There are those students on campus who have stated leadership positions. The Student Government Association President. The debate team captain. The lead in the all-school musical. The captain of the football team. We value each of these students and each of these positions.
That said, student leadership can occur everywhere, and we believe that each of our students can be a leader, regardless of a position that he or she may hold.
The theme for the 2016-17 academic year is “Lead.” We seek to provide opportunities for students to develop their confidence and skills in areas about which they are passionate and can influence others.
We have made a few changes this year to support our theme. We have reframed our community service program into a service leadership program. As such, we seek to ignite students’ passions for service and see that helping others is a form of leadership. We have galvanized our partnership with Oak Street Episcopal Mission, providing our students more opportunity to make an impact in that community. We will involve students in the shaping of our next phase of instructional technology.
Overall, we have asked each of our teachers to cultivate student leadership by instilling the fundamentals of leadership through good handshakes and eye contact. That -- and a Brookwood education -- should put them in at least the top third of the applicant pool when applying for their first job.
Brookwood inspires leaders. That is what we have done since 1970. That is what we will continue to do.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.