Fresh Eyes, Full Hearts
Well, the end of summer is quickly approaching. The boys backpacks have been purchased. Lunch boxes have been chosen. My new school planner is sitting by the door, anxiously awaiting its arrival to its new home at the middle school I currently help lead. It’s the time of year where I am trying to soak in the last few moments of cuddles, relaxation, and time with my kids before the hustle and bustle of a new fall semester. I will tell you I am finally feeling a little more comfortable in the role I’ve been placed in but it definitely took a little while to get there…
Are you a new administrator? Let me tell you, three years ago at this very same time, I was accepting my very first administration position as an assistant principal of a middle school. I remember the feeling of excitement that sat in the few short days before teachers started to arrive. This was followed by the anxiety and questioning of my ability to lead without ever having taught at a middle school campus. All this questioning didn’t come from teachers, students, or parents. It came from none other than myself. The feeling that I was inadequate for the position simply due to the fact that I had no experience as an administrator.
Are you a first year, second year, third year teacher and are trying to find your footing in this new world of education. Let me tell you a little secret…in my almost 13 years of education…there have been about 12 “new worlds” of education. Education is ever evolving depending on where you are located, the kids you serve, the board running your district, and the political climate. Now these are just a few of the ways your school can be impacted - not to mention the curriculum pushes, bussing route changes, and leadership styles…but always remember, that's why you got into it! If we wanted things to be the same every single day, every single year, we would be stagnant in our growth as humans, and if you are like me, Christians.
I digress. Teachers and administrators alike can feel inadequacy in their ability to do the job they've been chosen for. Whether it's the fear of not handling a parent situation correctly, being able to teach students a particular skill or concept, or getting along with coworkers you don’t particularly know or have much in common with - there is always something to fear or worry about if that’s the lane you CHOOSE to stay in. That’s right. You heard me. It’s your choice whether you stay in the negative and fearful feelings of what’s to come or not….it’s coming either way!
Have you felt this way about a position you were selected for? Maybe you are feeling that way now. Let these words be an encouragement to you. You were chosen for a reason. You have the skills necessary to start your career, whether it's teaching, administration, or in between.
After resigning from my role as a teacher in a smaller district in Texas, I moved to a bigger district just 20 minutes down the road. It brought more pay, a positive attitude, and an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Let’s just say my leaving the previous district wasn’t a smooth and peaceful transition. You see, I had spent 7 years there as a teacher in all kinds of roles, knowing one day I would want to be an administrator. I felt knowing all kinds of roles would be important in being able to build a sustainable workplace for all, being able to speak from experience, not assumption. When not one, but two admin positions opened up, I felt confident that I would have an opportunity to be selected. This obviously was not the case at the time. Now, there is a much larger, beautiful story behind this but I will spare you the details for now.
Upon leaving the district and moving to another district, I told my husband that I would never apply for a job in my previous district again. The only way I would go back is if God opened the door and they reached out to me. Guys, guess what...two years later, that’s exactly what happened! I am now moving into year three of being an assistant principal at the middle school!
He will do that for you too. Take the angst and fear and replace it with positive statements. You were chosen for this time! You were chosen for these students, these parents! You were chosen for this admin team, this cohort, these co-teachers. Again, if you are a Christian, step into these roles with confidence that you are NOT going in alone. He will supply all that you need! Pray for peace. Meditate on His Word! Know that you are enough for what you are being called into! You were born for this!
- Laura