There are five meanings of passion in the Merriam Webster’s dictionary. One meaning is “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept ”. I have been fortunate over the last 8 years to feel passionate about my work and collaborate with a passionate team at the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. I love what I do! I love online learning and the ability to create learning opportunities for students and parents.
After my first time presenting to the Idaho legislature on the Idaho Digital Learning Academy’s annual progress, I asked my board chairman his thoughts on the presentation and suggestions for improvement. He said “Donna, don’t ever lose your passion. All day long legislators hear boring speeches on different pieces of legislation. You are effective because it is clear that you love what you do, the impact of online learning, and your passion for education. Make sure you continue to share that passion.”
I just got back from a two day training hosted by Connections Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. This is my first opportunity to learn more about the company that I decided to join a few weeks ago. The purpose of the training is for new board members to learn about their responsibilities as board members, the field of online learning, the Connections Academy approach, and charter schools. From the first presentation by a Connections Academy employee to the final day’s presentation from the Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction, passion was present. Each presenter “bubbled” over with their enthusiasm for online learning, Connections Academy, and how their department met the greater goals of the company. Passion came through and new board members appreciated it. At dinner on the final night, I had an opportunity to ask three new board members their thoughts on the company and the organization that they are partnering with. All three board members who have extensive experience on boards, finance, and policy commented that they had never been associated with an organization who is so clearly cross-trained and passionate about what they do. “It is clear that Barbara’s (Barbara Dreyer, President and Co-Founder of Connections Academy) leadership values inter-departmental collaboration. They are all hard workers and the example is set from the top. It is exciting to see the staff excited about what they do and the impact on students.”
Just like at the Idaho Digital learning Academy, passion is evident at Connections Academy. In order to truly make an impact on student learning, you must be passionate. Jim Collins, the author of Good to Great said, “The kind of commitment I find among the best performers across virtually every field is a single-minded passion for what they do, an unwavering desire for excellence in the way they think and the way they work.” I am fortunate to join a team who is passionate about what they do. Passion breeds excellence. To be passionate about what you do is a true blessing.
Donna Hutchison's Blog 