In the mean time, I want to stop and reflect on a conversation I had with my admin yesterday. Though he's never said a flat out "no" to me, and he always explains why a request isn't supported... I was nervous about speaking up. Perhaps I ask too much... maybe he has too much on his plate... this isn't a good time of year... I had all kinds of excuses lined up in my head. I forced myself to quiet them all, request time to chat, and head in.
My principal knows I'm open to change and often welcome it with the expectation it's best for the students. That is an important foundation to have with your supervisor, so any concerns or questions aren't seen as complaints, but honest inquiry into the decision making process. And yet, I came with an arsenal of justification because that's just who I am.
Didn't need the justification, didn't need to defend my requests, and no, it's not because I'm the principal's pet (though some see me as such, oh well). I have established that I'm open to change, I'm actively pursuing ways to find and use best practices, to share those practices with other educators, and thus, improve learning experiences for our kids. So when I was in there asking that my schedule allow for more collaborative flex time with the tech facilitator, that the library is staffed with someone who will be there to help students when I cannot be, that I'd be allowed to travel for some PD opportunities {even in the 1st week of school!} I was listened to and solutions we're reached. He knew I came forward because I had faced challenges and was presenting solutions, and because I'm proactively seeking ways to better myself and inspire others to do the same.
I'm not saying I'm perfect - I complain, come home in tears, wonder if the grass is greener over in some fantasy school... nor am I saying my school is run perfectly. I'm just grateful that I didn't roll over and start the year with a sour taste because I let my own doubt stop me from asking; I'm grateful that I have an administrator that opens his door to conversation and allows teachers an active role in decision making.
Lastly, I know we aren't all in the same boat. We're dealt the admin that's in our building, transferred in, newly hired, etc. Can't say that every conversation goes as smoothly as yesterday's did, but I did learn one thing: ASK. Don't be afraid of no, especially if what you're asking is in the students' best interest.
One of the post's I'm working on is about my time at the NCCAT Leadership Institute and this exchange reminded me of something that Bill Harrison, Superintendent of Alamance-Burlington schools said of former Gov. Jim Hunt: