Ethical Belief Statement Felecia K.

Hemingway Oakland University EA7720

I have always been a huge proponent of self-affirmations, reflections and motivational quotes to inspire
myself as well as my students. There are some very smart individuals who have made many profound
statements I have used to lead and guide me in various personal and professional decisions. These
declarations help illustrate and support the moral principles that govern my behavior and influence my
actions on my on-going quest to demonstrate the difference between doing what you have a right to
do and doing what is right to do.

All my teaching career, I’ve stood by the old adage “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” I believe
that everyone involved in the life of a student has a responsibility to work cooperatively as a team to
ensure success, and not just success in the classroom or school, but in all aspects of life, physically,
mentally, spiritually and emotionally. My mission was to do whatever necessary to provide each of my
students with the environment, tools, skills and strategies to be healthy, productive members of society,
thriving while striving to serve and improve mankind and the conditions of the communities in which we
dwell. “Correction does much, but encouragement does more.”

Now that I’m an administrator my goal remains the same, I just must be more strategic in how I set out
to accomplish it, as it now transcends to my staff. “Real leaders don’t create followers; they create
other leaders.” Because I am no longer directly on the front lines, I have to manage and influence those
who are from behind the scenes. “For leadership is not about being the best but working to make sure
everyone else gets better!”

Being in the classroom for more than 25 years before moving to the front office helped me realize that
“Being a good leader doesn’t require a title and having a title doesn’t make you a good leader.” There
are many other requirements that come with the territory: honesty, integrity, compassion,
perseverance, dedication and optimism are at the top of the list. In order to earn trust from those under
my direction, I must always speak with honesty, think with sincerity and act with integrity. I honor all
my commitments so others can believe what I say; Because Actions speak louder than words.

As a leader, I always strive to be a good role model, making choices that will benefit not only me, but the
common good. “If we light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten our own path.” I exhibit great
character and maintain professionalism in every encounter while setting and upholding high standards
for myself, my students and fellow staff, and I hope my enthusiasm is infectious. I show respect to
others and try to keep an open mind, even when opinions may differ from mine, remembering that
everyone has individual experiences that can add value to others. I take responsibility when I make a
mistake, seek suggestions for improvement and attempt to use it as an opportunity to grow, so I am
equipped to make a better decision in the future. “The only difference between stumbling blocks and
steppingstones, are the way in which we use them.”

In any level of leadership, building relationships is key. “People don’t care how much you know, unless
they know how much you care.” I work hard to personally get to know others so I can respond to their
individual needs. Compassion is a combination of love and understanding required to meet those needs.
I am thoughtful and empathetic, with a high regard for the feelings and well-being of others, sometimes
to a fault. I’ve always been taught to live by the golden rule, but as an educator this version resonated
with me more: “The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is
what they become!” In this field, it is vital to recognize potential and then act accordingly to cultivate it
into a reality! Sight has to do with what we can see, but vision has to do with what we can be!