The school year started off with an introduction to our new Assistant Principal. She appeared to be a nice person, but I was admittedly still upset about not being given a fair shot at the position. Nevertheless, I still had a job to do.
Our grade level team was still intact, which was helpful. We worked together well and collectively did our best to help students be successful. Periodically I had to remind myself of what my purpose was for doing what I do. This was a tough task when you are in an environment that you do not want to be in.
Throughout the school year there were different things that happened that tore at the fabric of our school. There were some teachers targeted for their clothing, while others were allowed to wear what they wanted. There was one teacher that had a class with several behavior issues that was not properly supported by administration. These are just a couple of examples of things that did not help to build morale.
As Spring Break was coming to an end, we received news that we would not be returning to campus. This was at the beginning stages of Covid sweeping across our country. This was in many ways a blessing for me. I would still be able to do my job, but I would not have to step foot on campus. While it was hard teaching and planning with my team virtually, it was so much better for my mental health.
Even during virtual teaching, our campus administration found ways to ruffle feathers. I had two incidents that were not pleasant and had heated exchanges with the campus Principal. Looking back, I could have handled things differently, but I was fed up.
I made it through the school year as determined as ever to not return to that campus. I reached out to a school leader to brush up on some skills that would help me advance my career. One of the pieces of advice that he gave me was to get out of my comfort zone, meaning that if I really wanted to advance my career I would need to widen my search.
I followed his advice and applied for positions that were somewhat far away from where I lived. I also spoke with another friend that worked in school leadership that gave me a piece of advice that sticks with me to this day. He told me “Whatever you do, do it with excellence”. This helped change my perspective and set me on a different path.
As the school year approached I was excited to be back. Things were different with mask requirements and social distancing. I was ready to face new challenges. One day during staff development I received a phone call unexpectedly. The call was from a school district that I had recently completed an application for….
My Life In Education… 