Summer Reflections

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

I know every administrator’s favorite question is, “what do you do all summer?” I just laugh because that’s like telling a teacher they are lucky for having off summers. We all know that is also a pointless conversation. My summers are for reflecting and preparing the building for a new school year, while making adjustments that will help us continue our goals of supporting students.

This summer is no different. We are adjusting schedules to ensure the best use of instructional time and resources, we are making changes to our curriculum, analyzing data and continuing to build our PBIS program. Somehow we also take a breath and find time to reflect on ourselves as leaders.  We are by no means perfect.

This summer we held a lot of meetings for different initiatives we are working on and trying to improve. We couldn’t pay our teachers, but they came and they worked so hard. Why? I can only think it’s because they care and they want our students to succeed. That makes me proud.

But we are no different than any other building. We have some staff members who put in more hours than others. Often times in education these staff members are perceived as the “brown nosers” or the “favorites.” I hate that. So, I took some time to think about myself as a teacher. I put in hours before I had kids or got married or even had a life. Not everyone has that time and it should be okay.  We can’t feel bad that we aren’t able to always give time.  There are other ways to give.

Here’s what I wish….I wish that we stopped looking at others as “favorites” and recognized each other’s efforts instead. We all come to work each day with the same goal, why do we sometimes look at people who give a bit more negatively? We all work hard and are at different points in our lives with different demands and abilities to give. Let’s look at those who are able to give a little more and support them. They are often times doing things others don’t have time to do. If they didn’t, who would?  We need these people to help us accomplish lofty goals.  I know that my job would be more difficult without the help that so many give on a daily basis and in so many different ways.

I guess I just remember the days I had extra “time” to give and did it because I wanted to do it for our students and our building. I’m at a different point in my life and don’t necessarily have the “time” to give, but what I can do is support and recognize those who can. They are giving extra efforts that I just can’t right now and instead of tearing them down for it, I want to appreciate them more for doing what I can’t.  I have often heard others say, “It’s not how much time you have, but the quality of what you give when you can.”  Maybe you aren’t perceived as a “favorite,”  but you can be a cheerleader for those who have extra time to give and give it for the greater good.  There are no “perks” other than maybe some recognition for those efforts, an extra jean pass and probably some added stress.

This video from Simon Sinek says it all.

Teaching is tough enough.  Who will you help today?

Empty Seat

I haven’t written in a year and a half. My last blog post was immediately after the passing of my dad. I haven’t found it in me to write since then. I’ve struggled with his passing more than anything my entire life.

As of this very moment, I sit in the car on the way to walk the stage at the graduation I so desperately wanted him to witness. I find myself nervous because I know that this day will invoke a lot of emotions. While I’ll never find “closure,” I hope that this day gives me the strength I need to fully grieve.

This last year and a half has been one of the most challenging ever, personally and professionally. I lost a part of myself and while I feel present, I know I haven’t been able to give my full self in any capacity. Not to my husband, not to my kids, not to my colleagues, students or families.

Per COVID guidelines, I was allowed two tickets today. I wanted my kids to be able to witness me walk that stage and see a source of strength, perseverance, and courage. Something I hope I have demonstrated to them. Unfortunately, they couldn’t attend unsupervised. They will watch the livestream and my husband will be there for me as he always has been. Next to him will be an empty chair, physically empty, but I can’t help and think it’s for a purpose.

Today that empty chair is empty to everyone but me. I see you, Dad. ❤️