Pandemic Principalship

I am ten years into administration and suddenly experiencing a great big first. Just like the rest of you. I cannot imagine if I were a first year Principal this year. They didn't cover the "Pandemic Principalship" in grad school.

I think the hardest thing for me is that every 2-3 days, life changes. First, school was cancelled for students. Then the cancellation was extended. Then we had to figure out food delivery and online learning. You get the gist. I gulp every time I see there's a press conference at 4:00. It's like, what now?

I'd say every 3-4 days I have a complete emotional breakdown. My heart cannot take the constant changes and fear of the unknown. And as a parent, I have to be strong for my children. I don't want them to feel fear. I want them to know the truth and be cautious but not afraid. As a Principal, I have to be strong for my staff and community. I'm having a hard time being strong for myself. April 1 was my complete breaking point. I haven't figured out why. I mean, there are things that happened that day but nothing more than normal. It started with a ZOOM meeting with my leadership team. As soon as I started talking about end of year awards and graduation I lost it.

Like all of you, I am so sad thinking of all the things our students are missing. I'm not sad about EOGs and IStation ending, so there's that. However, I am sad about the cancellation of kindergarten screening, a bunch of fun field trips, recognizing our students for their achievements in an end of year award ceremony, conducting Kindergarten and then 5th grade graduation. I have been looking forward to this particular graduation for a long time. These 5th graders started at my school when I started. I wanted to see them off to middle school. Sometimes I feel selfish for feeling sad. I can't imagine how the kids feel. Especially high school Seniors.

Emotions come and go for us all. Mine have run the gammot from anger to fear to sadness to anxiety to relief to excitement to happiness - and sometimes I experience all emotions in one day. I'm extremely thankful to have social media in times like this because schools across the country are sharing what they're doing to stay positive and support their communities during this time. Our school has opted to copy a lot of these ideas and I'm so thankful we could.

I wanted to compile a list of sorts to share ideas with all of you. Some of these ideas may have been ours but most probably were a combination of other people's ideas molded to best fit our community. God forbid 10 years from now we are in this exact position again, but if we are, it's my hope that this is a place to come back to for inspiration.

1. Teacher parade - 85% of our staff cruised through a total of 10 large neighborhoods to support, wave, squeal and honk. Our cars were decorated and all. At the last neighborhood we pulled up to, a police escort was there to surprise us. It was one of the most emotional and memorable days in my career.  
   
   
   
   
2. Student parade - We have this planned for teacher appreciation week. Our staff will gather around our car line loop (of course, standing 6' apart) while the students and their families parade around our loop much like we did for them!
3. Teacher packets - I created a packet for each teacher and delivered these to their homes one weekend. I wore gloves while putting the packets together, and sanitizer was used before and after each packet drop-off. Packets contained: A cover note, a $10 gift card to Marco's pizza from our PTO, a quarantine virtual scavenger hunt, a crossword puzzle about our staff, and a Hershey's hug and kiss. 
   
4. A fun staff ZOOM - One of my teachers did a humorous read aloud for our staff. Teachers were warned that if they joined, they had to have a sense of humor. There was absolutely no work talk on this call, and it was led by their colleague and not boss. 
   
5. Live daily morning broadcast - Three to four of my staff come to school each morning and do a live morning broadcast. We do weather, birthdays, school news, the pledge and a moment of silence, and end with a big dance party. Families tune in at 8:15 and love that it starts their day with a bit of routine. 
   
6. Principal ZOOM lunch dates - So far, I've done this with three of my six grade levels. I give the ZOOM code to the parents of students who ask for it only. And I only let those students from that grade level into the meeting. I talk to them for a few minutes, then send them on a 30 minute hunt for something (K: something special to share, 5th: something red, 3rd: something you've created) to share. I unmute student by student for them to share, then I ask them a question like 1) How are you showing kindness at home? 2) What do you appreciate about your parents right now? or 3) Share a joke or funny story. 
   
   
   
   
    
7. GetSway App - Download it, trust me! I posted a video of me and am working on some of my staff. The dancing videos are a hit and brings smiles to many faces. 
   
8. Virtual Spirit Week - Post the schedule for the week and encourage families to participate at home. For example, if Monday is pajama day, we wore pajamas on our morning broadcast and asked families to post a pic of their pajama day in the comments. 
   
9. Drive Thru Luncheon - This is, again, for teacher appreciation week. We usually have this big deal teacher luncheon and obviously that can't happen. So instead, PTO is putting together boxed lunches from a local restaurant. Teachers can drive through the car line to pick up their lunch.
10. A Yard Sign Surprise - This is "in process" for me. I've designed yard signs and ordered them. I'm waiting on their arrival. They say something like: A {my school} Hero Works Here. The PTO board is going to help me deliver them, placing them at the end of each staff member's driveway one evening.
11. Monday Messages - On Sunday nights, I use Screencastify to record a "Monday Message" to send to my staff. I do it from my house and usually have no makeup on and my hair is a hot mess. But it's reality. I don't script anything, just talk. I want them to know I'm still here, I'm experiencing similar emotions, but that I'm not inundating them with ZOOM meetings or required PD. 
    
12. "Cardboard Testimony" pictures/video - This is something our district is putting together, but each staff member created a cardboard testimony that provides words of wisdom to support students and encourage parents. They're going to turn it into a video to post on the district's website. 
    
    
    
    
13. Your turn! I know there are so many more ideas! Can you comment below and share a few more?

One thing I've been telling my children is that this is their first "moment in history" they'll remember and share. My first that I remember is 9-11. I know where I was, and will never forget it. My oldest will one day be able to say that during the Pandemic of 2020 he was in second grade. It will probably end up being an amazing memory for him, because he is home with his entire family all day. We play games, read books, watch movies. That's what I have to remind myself of. This too shall pass. One day soon, the staff will come back and so will the students. Things will never be "the same" but we will adjust to a new normal.

Top 10 Things a Principal Wants in a Teacher

Let me first say I'm only one Principal. I have not surveyed 100 Principals to see what they want in a teacher. This is my perspective, however, I feel like I can pretty much bank on the fact that 99% of Principals would at least appreciate these qualities in a teacher. When I have the opportunity to hire, I take it so very seriously. Not only am I trying to find a candidate who will be good for the students but also someone who will fit well within our entire school community.

I'm taking out my #1 from the top ten, so you're really getting a top 11.  This is my absolute, hands-down, number 1 look for in a candidate...are they:

If you are a genuine human being, I will take every answer to your interview questions seriously. If I can tell you're fake/insincere forget it. We might as well not waste your time or mine. #sorrynotsorry

Ok so you've passed the genuine test? Here are the top 10 other things I'm looking for that you will have to prove with your answers in your interview:

1. Building relationships is your priority. Teachers have to understand that without a strong relationship with a child, the child will not learn from you. If your classroom management is suffering, you haven't built a strong enough relationship with your students. If you have a child that is testing you, you need to commit to building or rebuilding your relationship with that child. If a student feels like you genuinely care for them as a human being, they will do anything they can to learn from you.

2. You are coachable. There is legit nothing worse than a teacher thinking they're perfect. If I provide feedback to a teacher and they a) become defensive, b) roll their eyes, or c) look at me like I'm out of touch...I want to instantly high five their face. I know that's not nice but it's true. You don't have to necessarily agree with my feedback, but it is simply there for you to use as reflective tool and possibly manipulate it to fit how 'you do you' in a future lesson. *Most* principals have been placed in their positions for a reason, and it is usually because they know their stuff. If you don't understand the feedback, ask for clarification or an example or for the principal to come model it for you. Feedback is never given because we are seeking imperfection, it is because we believe in you and know you have the potential to become better with each lesson.

3. Adapting to change is a part of the gig.  One of the great things about education is that in your 30 years teaching, you have the opportunity to adapt each year. You shouldn't be teaching the same lessons year after year because, well, you don't have the same students year after year. Many things come and go in education, because it is a profession we are constantly working to improve. I am a sucker for new stuff...that can at times be a gift and a fault. But when I find something I believe in and bring it to my leadership team, I am hoping that most [or preferably all] will see that while change includes a lot of extra hard work - we are in the business of doing whatever it takes to make a difference in the life of a child. It's ok to ask questions, to propose improvements to the change, but to say "it's too hard" or "that's too much work" tells me that you don't want to teach at our school.

4. There is a leader in you somewhere. Please don't be a wall flower. Don't hide in your classroom to avoid extra responsibility or recognition. I will seek you out! I want to see your potential as a leader not just in your classroom, but in our building [and maybe beyond]. There is absolutely nothing better than seeing a teacher share their passion. Offering to lead or moving into a leadership position does not mean you are a show off or have an ego. It means you want to help improve education for all students, not just the ones in your classroom. Oh also! Be helpful! When you see something that needs to be done, step up and lead the charge without being asked. The whole "that's not in my job description" is total and complete crap. When you work in a school, everything is your job especially if you are a leader. Pick up trash when you see it on the floor in the hallway, answer the phone if the secretary is busy, get a kid a pack of ice as you pass through the office.

5. As a teacher you are engaging and as a learner you are engaged. One of my biggest pet peeves is a teacher on their phone or talking to a colleague during a staff meeting. You're not making an effort to be an engaged learner. If that is the way you behave in a professional setting, you're likely not an engaging teacher for your kiddos. I probably could write an entire blog post on this alone. When I walk into your classroom, I want to see 100% of your class engaged in something worthwhile. Not doing busywork {rainbow spelling, pyramids, ugh!ugh!ugh!}. Your classroom shouldn't be completely silent unless 1) It's independent reading time and you're working on building stamina OR 2) You're testing.

6. Drive and motivation are your middle name(s). Take risks. If you have a great idea, try it (within reason). You can't learn and progress without failure. Set goals. For you, and for your students. They will meet your expectations the higher your set them. Sometimes you will feel like giving up, but your drive and motivation will keep you going. And when you get that I'm 'bout to give this up feeling, go to your colleagues or to me for a swift kick in the pants ;) Don't get stuck in a rut, that does zero good for our school!

7. Honesty is the best policy even if it makes conversations difficult. A super important thing to remember is to be honest in all conversations. Telling people what you think they want to hear does them no good. This goes for conversations with students, parents, your colleagues, and your boss. If you have to have a difficult conversation with anyone, and you go straight to them - rather than to someone else - you will be so well respected!

8. There is not one ounce of 16-year-old gossip girl/guy left in you. I need to see that you are mature. You would be surprised at the mega-amount of gossip that adults will engage in while at work, particularly when they work in a school. I find it repulsive, to be honest, when I hear people speak poorly of their colleagues behind their back and then act like rainbows and unicorns to their face. Stooping to the level of a child is a quick and easy way to lose respect. There is a time and a place to vent, and that place is at your home. And that place is most certainly never on social media.

9. Balance is evident in your classroom and your life. There is no better way to burn yourself out than to try to do everything all at once. If you overextend yourself at work and at home, you will make yourself sick. Self-care is so extremely important. In the classroom, you don't need to overdo it either. Work hard, push your students, but you don't need to be doing room transformations every single day. When I taught, I felt like I was an entertainer 100% of the day in order to achieve engagement. What I've realized as an administrator is that students need time to collaborate and also time to work alone. That's when you get to step down from entertaining and engage one on one with students. There needs to be a balance in how you teach so you don't get teacher burnout too.

10. Kindness never goes out of fashion. Every day I remind our school community on morning and afternoon announcements to "Make good choices and be Kind to one another". I'm so not speaking only to students when I say this. Adults need to model kindness when speaking to one another as well as to their students. You can just tell when someone is genuinely kind versus when they are constantly making the effort and exhaust themselves from trying to be kind. Practice kindness daily, especially when you think not one person is listening. Unkindness travels so quickly and then you need to refer back to #8.

You can "study" these all you want, but I will know in the interview if you genuinely exemplify these traits. So, let's say you're not quite there yet, you know maybe 2 or 3 of these describe you but definitely not all 11. This doesn't mean you'll never get a job. Because let's be honest, nobody is perfect. There is no teacher that hits all 11 nails square on the head each day. Here are five quick things I think you could do to prepare yourself for being a desired hire:

• Spend time seeking out teachers who are genuine examples of the areas in which you lack. You don't think you have balance or even really know what balance in the classroom means? Ask a local principal if they have a teacher who displays balance in their classroom and get permission to go observe or go talk with them. Eat UP everything you see, hear, and learn.
• Watch this TED TALK with Celeste Headlee. This will enlighten you on how to engage in professional conversation and how to be a good listener. This ties in nicely to numbers 5 and 7 above.
• Practice talking and interacting with all ages of children. Especially if you're not yet a mom! You need to have a pulse on what kids are into and how they speak and see the world. If you come into my office for an interview and there are children around, a very telling way to see if you are able to build genuine relationships is to see if you interact with the kids in the office. Don't be a creep and go hang out at a park, you will end up arrested probably. But hang out with your friends or family that have children. Heck you can even watch how other people interact with children!
• Ask someone who knows you really well the following two questions and don't become defensive with their answer(s). What is something you hope I continue to do? What is something you wish I'd stop doing? Take this feedback and learn from it. Doesn't mean you have to stop doing whatever they said, but identify the action as a piece of your life that needs improvement. Modify it to fit who you are. If you get defensive or you give that person the silent treatment for 3 days, you're not ready to be in a coachable position like teaching.
• Start reading. Read educational blogs, scholarly articles, books. Listen to educational podcasts or TED talks. Learn from other people. You don't need to agree with everything they say or recommend, but when you can speak to professional growth you seek on your own, I will know that you have drive and passion to learn (and teach).

Gah that was long! I do hope, however, that you took something from this post. Particularly if you're fresh out of college or even contemplating moving districts. Again, not all principals are the same. I am one person. But, what would it hurt if you knew these things and took steps toward self-improvement? I'd love to hear your thoughts or additions to my Top 10 (11).

Why Go Public?

National Public Schools Week was last week. As administrators, we were challenged to post something every day on our various social media accounts. In looking for some cute graphics on Pinterest, here are a few things that popped up when I typed in "Why Go Public School" (not the best grammar, I know):

• My homeschooler never wants to go back to public school
• 7 times you should choose private school over public
• The history of public school indoctrination (why I homeschool)
• Why I have zero patience for the public school system
• Why I am anti public-education and anti-public schools

The list goes on...you can type it in and see for yourself. I faithfully continued to scroll. And scroll. And scroll. I was determined that there would be SOMETHING. No. There wasn't. That was my calling to begin a blog. Because I want there to be SOMETHING that shares what's good about public schools. Let me be clear that I will not - ever - trash talk another school, be it private, charter, home, or another public school.

On tours of my own school, I am often asked to tell the family why my school is a better choice than X. I could tell these families what I think, but let's be honest. I don't know. I've never worked at a private school. Or a charter school. I've never homeschooled. I also have only been a Principal at MY school. So all I know is what makes MY school good. I encourage families to go to all of the schools they are considering and make up their own minds. 

But I also want to be sure that I share why I am so utterly devoted to working in a public school. So here is why:

1. All of my teachers are certified. They have a Bachelor's degree at minimum. Most also have a Master's. It could be a Master's in Elementary Education, Reading, School Administration, etc. Many of them also have National Board Certification or are working toward it. None of them are lateral entry. They all grew up wanting to be teachers, practicing making seating charts and teaching their stuffed animals how to add. Teaching was never a second choice career. This leads to the fact that my teachers are well paid (well, that's a lie). They are, however, paid more than in other types of school because we follow the State's Salary Schedule and pay supplements. My teachers have stability because of this and therefore turnover is super low. I mean, I have six teachers who have been at my school since it opened in 2003!
2. Our environment is and will always be diverse. Public schools accept everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, ability, disability, or inability. When students grow up around diversity and learn how to interact with people from whom they are different, they will be well rounded and adjusted when they are adults. This reduces racism, sexism and prejudice.
3. No matter what, my building will still be standing tomorrow.  Nobody will ever close us down. You will never come to our front doors to drop your child off and see notices of closure.
4. We will provide your child everything they need. While teachers ask for supplies or donations to their classrooms, ultimately your child will be provided with what he or she needs. If their clothes don't fit, we will search out a way to get them a new wardrobe. If their backpack gets drenched in chocolate milk, we will make sure they get a new backpack. If your child needs glasses and you may not be in a position to provide them, we will find a way to make it happen. Even if you can't pay for field trips, your child will still be allowed to attend. Money doesn't get in the way of a public education.
5. My school isn't a business, it's a school. Our bottom line isn't money. We aren't a money making machine. While we bring in income through fundraising, it is to ultimately provide for the students (instructional supplies and upgrading materials).
6. Save money! We are tuition free. There is absolutely ZERO requirement that parents contribute financially in any way to their child's education. Now, we may ask for donations (see #4), but it is never an expectation.
7. My class sizes are smaller than you think. We follow the NC K-3 class size law. So our class sizes in K-3 are below 20. Now...you get above 3rd grade and the sizes get bigger. But this is similar in all types of schools. When a student moves and a class size is reduced, we do not have a wait list or lottery to try to fill that seat. 
8. We are held accountable. While I disagree with the way schools and teachers are held accountable (80% proficiency and 20% growth), we are still accountable. We have to teach the NC Standard Course of Study and are graded on a 15-pt scale based on EOG scores. Our school grades and report cards are available online, being completely transparent to the public. Other types of schools are graded as well. And their report cards should be easily accessible for you to view...aaaaand that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Here is the bottom line, make up your own mind! If you're trying to decide whether to go public, private, charter, or homeschool. OR you want to go public but can't decide which public school to attend (if you have choice) - here are my suggestions on how to go about making a choice:

• Request a tour! If the school refuses, tells you they only give tours at 8am on the first Friday of the month, or is any sort of unkind when you ask...it's not the school for you.
• First impressions are usually accurate! You will feel the vibe of the school instantly, from the moment you enter the office. The office staff are the face of the school, and the way you are welcomed will be representative of how your family will be treated if you choose the school. Look around. Are the students and staff smiling and happy? Is the office clean and organized? Is the building bright and cheery? Is the Principal visible? That is the kind of school you want your children to attend.
• Look at the school's website, social media accounts, and other websites that "rate" the school! With that being said, ugh. Sites like Niche and GreatSchools can be somewhat helpful as long as you understand that it's super easy for parents to go onto these sites when they're angry about something, hide behind a computer, and rant. It is way less often that a happy parent takes the time to go on and leave a glowing review. Also, sometimes Principals and Teachers and other staff change - so the statements that are left are no longer valid at all. But, these sites refuse to delete old reviews that are no longer valid. But DO take seriously what the school promotes. Is there information for newcomers? Are there an abundance of family involvement opportunities? Are there real pictures posted of what's going on during the day? Is the communication adequate?
• Talk to people about the school! Key word: TALK. Don't use social media and post in the town's Facebook page asking how the school stacks up. Because you know what? People hide behind computers (see bullet #3). TALK to people, face to face. Ask the question "why" a lot. For example, "What do you think about X Elementary?" Response: "Oh it's a great school." Follow up question: "Why is it great?"
• Find out when the school's next event is and attend! Oh they have a 5K coming up? Go! You don't have to run. Observe and interact. You will get a great sense of the community of the school by watching the event in its entirety! You will know whether this is the community in which you want your child to be taught.
• Ask about what else is offered (besides academics)! While math may be your son's strong subject, what else makes him smile? Does he love to paint? Is he a natural athlete? Will he thrive if there is an opportunity for STEAM enriched lessons? Well then, ask what's offered to meet his needs outside of the regular classroom. What does the school do to integrate art, movement, engineering? What about social emotional learning (SEL)?

Bottom line? If a school is proud of itself and doing the right thing(s), it's going to welcome you with a warm hug. It doesn't matter your color, gender, wealth or poverty, ability or inability. So give public schools a chance! You never know how surprised you may be that we may be the best choice for your children.

I hope I inspired you to open your mind on Public Schools.