As a former gifted and talented teacher, I worked hard to avoid this kind of praise in my classroom. Why? Because Stanford researcher Carol Dweck’s work shows that when children repeatedly hear comments like these, they begin to believe that success = being naturally smart. And when that happens, they often start avoiding challenges in order to protect that “smart” label.
Instead of focusing on innate ability, I wanted my students to pay attention to the process of learning the effort, the strategies, the persistence. So when a child finished a puzzle or pushed through a tricky problem, I’d say something like:
Feedback like this helps children understand that growth comes from perseverance, not perfection. This is referred to as a “Growth Mindset,” you can learn more about Carol Dweck’s research by following this link. Growth Mindset
Vinson Level Effort
When the Vinson kids were growing up, this philosophy wasn’t just something I talked about, it shaped the atmosphere of our home. I turned our house into our own version of the Notre Dame football locker room, posting VLE signs at every door as a reminder of what we valued most: Effort. Grit. Perseverance.
We taught our kids that a little more effort than those around you can lead to good feelings and great results. Instead of settling for “regular effort,” we encouraged what we proudly called “Vinson Level Effort.” Win or lose, succeed or stumble, our measure was never trophies or grades; it was effort and growth. Many mornings, as the kids headed out the door, they’d hear the same cheerful reminder: “VLE!” It was something small, something special to us, something that meant: Give it your best. That’s what matters most. Those signs at each doorway weren’t just decorations. They were a gentle tap, a quick glance, a moment to pause and remember: Effort is our goal.
It didn’t take long to find Vinson Level Effort in Conroe ISD. Our students, educators, counselors, and police officers set the standard for character, compassion, and genuine care for our schools and the children we serve. From the Conroe ISD Police Toy Drive to a high school student who believes every child deserves the supplies they need for a meaningful school experience, we are truly blessed with people who go above and beyond to make a difference.
When I became a school leader, the message naturally followed me. I shared it with faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. Vinson Level Effort became a way to celebrate people, not for perfection, but for their heart, their resilience, and their willingness to keep going.
And now, as part of my work in Conroe ISD, I’m excited to begin recognizing the incredible effort happening every day across the district. Through notes, shout-outs, or even a simple sticker you can proudly display in your classroom, home, or on social media, I want to continue spreading the reminder that has guided my family and my career.
Goodness gracious, in my short time in Conroe ISD, I have experienced Vinson Level Effort every single day and in nearly every place where kiddos and educators are at work. I am genuinely impressed. THANK YOU for your love, your support, and your daily commitment to growing our students in both learning and character. Your effort is worth celebrating and so are you. Conroe ISD truly is The Texas Standard for Effort and Character!
Check out Bailey’s Backpacks and the Conroe ISD Toy Drive in my latest Voices with Vinson VLOG!