There's something particularly special about summer time as a principal. From my perspective, it's the gift of reflection combined with the 90 degree weather, the opportunities to work at my patio table early in the morning or late at night, and the complete and total absence of discipline referrals (except those that ensue within my family as my own two children no longer have the comforting routines of the school year.)
In the spirit of reflection and gaining some much needed perspective, I was so fortunate to chat with a personal and professional mentor that I haven't had a chance to talk with for a few years. How to summarize all that we discussed? Hmmmm...our work is about teacher leadership, living an integral life, combining the science of pedagogy and human development with the art of relationships and intuition, and establishing structures within a system to create endless possibilities. With our inspiring conversation mulling through my mind, I feel like I can figure out the next five years of dilemmas before me.
As I left his office and was walking to my car, I looked down at the conglomeration hanging around my neck. It's a contraption that my father lovingly refers to as "Laura's wind chime" when he removes it from his kitchen counter and tucks it safely away. It's comprised of my building keys, flash drive, and faculty name tag. (All hanging from a stylish Brighton lanyard...we princesspals have to be fashionable you know.) It occurred to me that maybe I've got all that a good leader needs right here in the parking lot: my building keys, the flash drive of every document I own, and some thoughts from a trusted mentor to see me through. Oh, and the nametag...in the quest to serve others a good leader never forgets who she is, but she may forget her own name.
Here's to all the mentors out there that impact good people to do good work. You've still got most of June, July, and August to speak to a school leader at a time when they can hear you...go do it.
No comments:
Post a Comment