RTDM: Linda Bratcher
Linda Bratcher
Former Head of School at International Children's Academy, trailblazer on the journey yet to be revealed!
Laguna Beach, California
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
As a young person I struggled greatly with confidence. Learning was hard for me, success was fleeting. As I gained understanding of the differing styles of learning, I gained confidence, assurance I could learn, and a passion to learn. Finding a supporting role model and mentor built a desire in me to pursue a career in education, to make a difference for children in and out of the classroom. Moving from the classroom into administration I was able to dream a vision based on the belief that every child could learn, could succeed, could embrace learning and would feel safe to reveal who they were and what they needed to move forward. My dream of mentoring and growing teachers through listening, supporting and encouraging them could lead to changes in teaching and learning. The classroom could be transformed into a safe place for all children to be confident, inquiring explorers of learning. To that end I have worked in both charter and independent schools and touched the future through the children and teachers I have worked with. That was my dream.
How do you define success?
Living out your unique life purpose as it is revealed to you. Staying vulnerable as a risk taker, walking the path humbly, practicing mercy to yourself and others while always listening. Actively listening to your inner voice and that of others.
What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?
Recognizing failure can lead to future success so embrace failure when it comes. It is in the rough spots we build and test our endurance and where we forge perspective and perseverance. Realizing learning and growth can come from tough times so embrace them just as we are want to embrace the triumphs which can and often does lead to greater challenges. The moment I became a risk taker it made all the difference in the world.
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
Practicing a leadership model of collaboration. My efforts to be a teacher leader evolved into an administrator that did not fear those who brought strong opinions, insights, and arguments to the table. I became an active listener, yet did not shy away from the responsibilities of making the final decision.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
I believe my biggest obstacle was the fear of not being enough. Not smart enough, educated enough, strong enough, tough enough. It was when I realized I was enough, the willingness to be open and seek counsel through prayer, collaboration with colleagues, and guidance of trusted friends and family was not weakness, it was wise path to follow. It provided an opportunity to draw strength allowing more and more of myself to open to the possibilities as yet unknown or unrealized.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Do not operate out of fear or the perception you are not enough! We are born perfectly formed for God's plan, blessed with grace and beauty in His eyes. Believe, trust, open!
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
I am in daily practice of stepping back, breathing deeply, acknowledging where I am and where purposeful progress will take me. I work to practice the art of living and acting with intention. While this practice has helped to mitigate feeling overwhelmed, it requires daily application.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
I was one of four founders in a successful independent school. My future seemed assured. A new board of trustees acted to replace the existing head of school which lead to a new administrative team being assembled, and my ultimate departure. A strong belief I had much more to do and to give I accepted a call to my first headship across the country from my roots. It opened in its first year as the largest charter school in North Carolina in 2010. It was truly a blessing presenting an opportunity to enact the vision I so long fostered.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
Scheduling as many massages as is possible and the bank account allows!
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
A deep commitment to relationship with others, coupled with a strong faith walk. I have been told, 'science tells us what we are made of, the Bible tells us what we are made for.' I realize investing in myself will reap benefits beyond myself and my faith will see me through and support the work each of us is called to.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
To look forward with patience, intention, creativity, and with openness to explore the next steps in my life's journey. To explore where there is a need that my experience is suited to fill and walk bravely towards it.
Share 1-2 books you've given as gifts:
Finding Yourself in Transition, Using Life's Changes for Spiritual Awakening I Moved Your Cheese
What have you learned to say no to?
To fear, to negative self talk, trying to be 'perfect' for everyone, relationships that deplete you.
What's something most people would never guess about you?
That I struggle to let go of newspapers, magazines, and yes books, until I have wrestled whatever I might find in them to help me grow and learn.
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