In the past few classes and blog posts, some of us have discussed the importance of creating a network of people to support us, give us advice; as well as creating moments of peace during our day. This week, I found a sacred space within the school day: it consisted in talking and interacting with the students during their lunch time, and playing with them at recess.
The day started out by opening the school early in the morning, as I was acting principal for the day. In this role, I had to make quick decisions. I had to call a parent and inform her that I was sending a note home for an expulsion hearing. Two teachers were absent, and one was out sick, and I had to figure out how to provide coverage in the classrooms. I stayed late to help teachers, students, and families with their after-school project on Family Culture. I had an angry parent come into the office screaming, upset over a DCF issue that I had had to file a few days prior. There were gratifying moments as well, such as a parent calling the school giving thanks for the care and effort that teachers and administrators had for her child. All in all, it was a well rounded, interesting experience that I enjoyed thoroughly.
However, the favorite moments in my day were the times I spent with the students. Going into the classrooms and being in touch with the student’s perspectives and experiences in the school was refreshing to say the least. Stepping into their world is not exactly peaceful because children make noise, but it made me feel calm. Part of it is that their presence reminds me of the importance of doing our job for them. It is also refreshing to be near them because of their ability to be in the present moment; emanating joy, and light to those who stop and listen. Also, they are usually honest and straightforward, and when things are not right with them, you know it.
As principals we should not allow ourselves to get too far away from the opportunity to hear their voices, and include this in our day with equal importance as we do giving time to students who misbehave, and improving the curriculum as instructional leaders.
It´s important to find that space. I am finding great space to interact with my students in an intimate way during the service trip we are on right now in the Dominican Republic. I am seeing my students grow everyday through this experience and I am also growing with them. We have all been able to share some things we probably would not otherwise share.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have been visting many classrooms the past 3 weeks. It has given me a fresh perspective in terms of what the students experience. I definitely get bored after two periods of observations and I wonder why we as teachers at times struggle to understand that our lessons are just not that exciting. As a result, we should constantly examine our work and find new ways to engage our learners. One way to do this is by spending time visiting each others classes and talking about teaching and learning.
I love this Maggie!! Such an important reminder to take a step back from what can become the "thankless" tasks and go back to what it is all about and the reason we feel called to be in these positions, the children.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your day had moments of calm and moments of thanks. Yet another reminder that this will soon be our day in and day out!
It is all about the students. If we take time out of our day to just hang out with kids it helps us appreciate what we are doing. If we cannot take pleasure in unstructured time with kids, we are probably in the wrong profession.
ReplyDeleteRoberto- I've done trips with students to Tanzania, Peru and India... Just a suggestion, but give the kids the power. Let them do their thing. You will be impressed!