It Begins....

As I sat with my email up, constantly refreshing the browser, I thought about all of the experiences that happened along my journey as classroom teacher and assistant principal that led me to the place where I was.  I was sitting by, patiently waiting for the official announcement that I would be appointed to my first principalship.  

My mind wandered and I thought back to all the people that helped guide me along the way.  You see, I wasn't the greatest teacher in the world, in fact I struggled majorly my first few years of teaching.  I had to lean on people, learn, and adapt to survive.  My saving grace was my ability to connect to people.  I had the attention of my students, I knew how to treat my colleagues with dignity and respect, and I was not afraid of seeking out help.  I just needed help with the delivery and planning.

I grew as a teacher and coach.  I ended up going after my masters degree in educational leadership and as I finished I came across a great need.  I realized that there were many who were struggling, yet suffering in silence.  I realized that people were fearful of showing how much they were struggling for fear of being "called out" or picked on by administration.  It was out of this realization that I shifted gears in my thinking about where I wanted my career to go.  I wanted to be a champion for students, of course, but also teachers!  Over the past 3 years as an assistant principal it was my goal to lead that way and be that person for all that I have served.  As I move forward as principal I look to be more intentional about getting feedback as to the help people want/need and continue to help do my part to work towards transforming education and support our teachers and students.  Here's to new beginnings!!  Exciting times!!!