Reflections

It's funny how words said to another, at any age, can leave an impact. I've written before about this idea before but need to take the time to share how two different sentences spoken my way this weekend impacted me. Sentence #1 Let me be clear up front. I stink at small talk and have developing skills in the "mingling" department. I do my best but it is not something I am good at. Never have been. Might get better someday but I'm not there yet. I was with a group of educators and one of my dearest colleagues was introducing me to the group that had gathered. He's an enthusiastic and supportive friend. He went on to tell some of the members in the group about the honor of my being the 2015 NYS Middle School Principal of the Year for SAANYS/NASSP. It was kind of him and a round of sincere congratulations followed. However, a short time later, one of the gentlemen asked me... "So, how's that work? That award. Did you nominate yourself?". Ou...

In some ways, I must be incredibly annoying to work with. I think too much about our work. I tend to celebrate even the smallest success. I can talk on and on about the staff I work with as if I'm their Great Aunt and I've cornered you at a family picnic. "Wait...I have pictures on my phone I can show you. Let me tell you about so and so..." I get inspired by the adults, students and families I work with and for.  When visitors come to our school, I'll often hear..." You have it so good here. Where did THIS come from ?" I think about what builds a culture and what maintains a culture and do believe a part of  it is fueled by the team that keeps investing in it. Do I have 100% buy in on all things at all times? Nope. I'm an optimist but I do live in real life. I've never had 100%. But, I haven't needed it either.  I am particularly aware of the team mates that keep coming to the table all suited up to dig in and give their best. Know ...

Guest post by Lance Paradis , Student Teacher at Corinth Middle School Teaching isn't about proving you are the all knowing being in the room, it isn't about being the center of attention, and it isn't about crushing student dreams to weed out the strong from the weak. Teaching is about taking a journey of learning with your students, building relationships, building skills, and helping students see potential in themselves they didn't previously see. Student teaching has been a phenomenal experience both thanks to the staff and students in our building. For a first timer, like myself, teaching is truly a journey with my students. I can't profess to know it all because there is infinitely more to learn and I try to convey this feeling of always wanting to learn more to my students. Throughout this experience, I have learned a lot from my co-teacher, other faculty, and the building principal. But, by far I have learned the most from my students. I have seen wh...

I knew that firecracker of a student teacher was filming his lesson today so I stopped by in the afternoon to see how things were going. His cooperating teacher was so proud and upbeat. We talked briefly about how providing this kind of experience is a form of professional development to BOTH individuals. Watching someone else work through the same tasks you are working through allows you different viewpoints. It presents additional options and opportunities for reflection. The cooperating teacher was remarking how much HE learned about lesson delivery today. I feel the same way about having an intern. For the better part of this year, I am sharing an entire building with her. She gets to see me celebrate successes, work through difficult occasions, and attempt to balance the myriad of needs within our space. She's seen me do well and she's seen me handle some things poorly. I look forward to her help each day. In fact, I'm not sure what I'll do next year when she i...

Earlier this Fall, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators about educational policy concerns. It was a nerve wracking experience for this small town Principal but one I took seriously and tried to prepare for. I had three appointments on one day to talk with different offices on Capitol Hill. At one of the appointments, I was reminded how much even a simple interaction can mean to someone. I had hoped to talk with a specific person (whom I had an appointment with). I was escorted to the appointment. Yet, I felt as if I was one more thing on a list of to-do items.  We met in a hallway and spoke just briefly as two others looked on. The one gentleman staring our way appeared bothered. He looked at me and then looked at his watch. His face -- emotionless. As I stood there trying to have a conversation that was meaningful, I realized I was failing. I grew nervous and began to feel awkward.  I couldn't stay focused on the actual conver...

If I am entirely honest, I was a nervous wreck about being there. Attending the Principal of the Year event and Principals' Institute with NASSP felt like the opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, I wasn't sure I belonged there. I quickly found a seat at a table and the workshop began. What I figured out, almost immediately, was THIS was exactly where I needed to be. Introductions and conversations had an energy to them. It was easy to connect and share. I work hard at staying current in my work and that can look like too much to others. It is sometimes perceived that I "don't have a life" outside of my school. It's simply not true but that can be the perception. Growing up, I had some pretty difficult jobs.  Fast food worker, chambermaid, hostess, and even deli counter prep are ones I count among the toughest. They were jobs. I was there just for the money. I wasn't particularly skilled at any of them. I arrived on time and watched the clock to leave o...

I was fortunate to spend part of my Labor Day weekend at a family picnic. As I approached the crowd already gathered in the yard, I recognized a woman in attendance. It was Laurie. I met Laurie nearly 24 years ago and back then I called her Mrs. Wells. In 1992, I had just graduated from the College of New Rochelle and had been earnestly applying for teaching positions all across upstate NY. I was called to interview in a district an hour north of where I lived. It was in a place I had never visited. Yet, they needed a special education teacher for a long term leave and I so wanted a chance to teach. Long story very short, I was hired to act as a long term substitute for Mrs. Wells. As I sat at the picnic, next to Laurie, I began to think about what a chance she had taken on me a very long time ago. I was a brand new special education teacher with NO paid experience.  She welcomed me into that position with open arms. She allowed me to call her at any time with all of the...