Choose to be Great: Affirmations (S2:E4)

~ Angelo DelliSanti

This morning, my intent was to remind you of the power of affirmations, share a bit of research about them, and launch you into the week.

However, just as I began typing, a friend and colleague in Education walked into the coffee shop and said, “I bet you’re writing me an email right now!” (she receives this email) and then she walked over and gave me a big hug. We chatted for a moment about sleep or, in our lives, the lack of sleep, before we hugged again to say goodbye. Somewhere during that interaction, she said, “Thank you for these emails; I look forward to them.” And, just like that, my day was off to a great start.

I suppose I don’t need to share the research on affirmations and positive reinforcements with you today. If you want that, it’s pretty easy to look up. Affirmations are more about what they do for someone’s heart. Their power lies in the fact that they can alter the course of someone’s day, if not their life.

As a school leader, whether in the role of a Teacher, Superintendent, or anything in between, I challenge you to think about how often you affirm the people around you. Want to change someone’s negative behavior? Begin genuinely affirming their positive behaviors. Want to make sure you get off to a good start with a new teacher or student? Find something good and offer them a genuine and specific affirmation.

Who knows what the impact of your words might be?

Choose to be Great!

Angelo

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Published by Angelo DelliSanti

“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career. Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018. In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017. Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.

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