What’s Next? Growing into What Comes After
- Thomas Robinson
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
If you’ve followed anything I’ve shared on www.thomasrobinson3.com or read my recent thoughts on leadership and feedforward, you already know I can’t sit still for long. That “what’s next?” question keeps showing up, never as a source of stress, but more like a gentle nudge from the future, reminding me that growth doesn’t happen by standing still. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking hard about where I’m headed in education, and the truth is I feel like I’m just getting started. The last five years at Hillcrest School have been all about finding a place that fits somewhere innovation, collaboration, and growth are more than just buzzwords. After a decade at MISD, where I sometimes felt like my ideas were politely tolerated at best, Hillcrest has been a breath of fresh air. Here, I get to lead with a servant’s heart, weave technology into learning in ways that matter, and experiment without worrying about getting it wrong. That freedom has sparked something new for me, the urge to reach even further, to find ways to make a difference beyond just my own classroom. So where am I headed next? Honestly, I see myself moving into instructional leadership and digital innovation, two spaces where I’ve discovered a real passion. I’ve spent the last few years learning to coach, running tech workshops, and standing beside teachers as they take risks. There’s something deeply rewarding about helping others grow, whether that’s building confidence, finding new ways to use tools, or shifting from “I’m not sure” to “let’s give it a shot.” It’s got me thinking seriously about roles like instructional coach, digital learning specialist, or maybe even a leadership position focused on growing people, not just programs. What excites me about that direction is that it doesn’t pull me away from the classroom, it deepens my connection to it. I believe that the best leaders are the ones who stay close to the work, who know what it’s like to try something new in front of 25 unpredictable middle schoolers, and who are willing to grow right alongside their colleagues. That’s what servant leadership is all about leading by lifting others (Keiser, 2023). It’s the core of who I am, and it’s the kind of leadership I want to bring into whatever comes next. What really energizes me about this path is that it keeps me close to the classroom, not distant from it. I truly believe the best leaders are the ones who stay in the trenches, who know what it feels like to try something new with a room full of unpredictable middle or high schoolers, and who are willing to learn right alongside their coworkers. That’s what servant leadership means to me lifting others up as you go. It’s at the heart of who I am, and it’s the kind of leadership I want to keep bringing forward, no matter where I end up. My ePortfolio has become a huge part of making this vision real. It started out as a place to gather my reflections but has grown into something much more a place where I share my professional journey, swap ideas, and connect with others. I want to keep building it out, not just with new blog posts, but with real examples of the work I do with teachers, practical tech tutorials, and maybe even some collaborative spaces where other educators can join in, share, or learn together. More than just a portfolio, I see it as a platform for growth. I’m interested in diving deeper into topics like systems thinking, leading change, and how to spark innovation that supports teachers instead of overwhelming them. As Fullan (2014) says, real change happens when leaders blend moral purpose with a big-picture view and strong relationships. I really feel a connection with this point of view, because my goal as a leader isn’t just to rise the ladder, it's to help others and move forward, too. Still, no matter how big I dream, I want to stay true to the kind of leader I’ve always hoped to be, approachable, honest, growth-minded, and authentic. I’m not looking to manage from behind a desk. I want to be the person who co-teaches a class on Wednesday, helps troubleshoot a tech tool on Thursday, and encourages a colleague at lunch on Friday. I want to keep building a “feedforward” culture, where we’re always asking, “How can we make things better?” because that’s where real change happens. So, what’s next? Hopefully a lot more reflecting, more learning, more leading, and maybe even more writing. Honestly, sharing this journey as it unfolds helps me understand myself and connect with others. My dream for www.thomasrobinson3.com is that it becomes more than just a scrapbook of my experiences, it becomes a launchpad for the next chapter. And if it inspires someone else to take a chance, try something new, or simply feel less alone in this work, then it’s done its job. At the end of the day, I don’t need a perfect map for where I’m going. I just need to keep moving forward with curiosity, with courage, and with the kind of leadership that listens, pays attention, and is always open to growth.
Reference
Fullan, M. (2014). The principal: Three keys to maximizing impact [Handout]. Michael Fullan Enterprises.
https://michaelfullan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/14_The-Principal-Handout_SpringSummer.compressed.pdf
Keiser, R. (2023, October 30). Leadership styles in education: Nine ways educators guide
talent. Keiser University.
de-talent/
Comments