Character is defined as those qualities built into an individual’s life that determine his or her response, regardless of circumstances.

An important aspect of education is staff development.  Administrators, teachers, and staff must also hone their skills in order to keep up with the latest technology, new initiatives, and training, etc.  One such initiative is Character First which is being spearheaded by our superintendent, Vern Butler.

Butler is a strong believer that the development of strong and positive character traits is extremely important for teachers and staff who must serve as role models for all AISD students.  Character First focuses on a total of 49 character traits.  AISD has purchased the first of three series and will divide its training to correspond with the nine-month school calendar.  Each month the entire district (teachers and students) will focus on a single trait.  The traits include:

• Attentiveness
• Obedience
• Truthfulness
• Gratefulness
• Generosity
• Orderliness
• Forgiveness
• Sincerity
• Virtue

Character First contends that “almost every problem and every success is rooted in character.”  It is the goal of the district that by developing these traits in our personnel and our students will make for a more productive and academically successful student population.