Thank You for Making My Day!

At 3:22 p.m. this afternoon, I was halfway in and out of my office doorway when a teacher, who was checking her mailbox said, “You know Anastasia, I was going to write you a note, but since I am here, I will just tell you.” (At this point, I didn’t know what would follow). “You hold the bar really high for us and there have been a lot of changes this year. However, I want you to know that because of you I am a better teacher. Last week, as I was observing my students in class I thought about you and where my class is now and I just needed you to know that. Sometimes it is hard to see the forest through the trees, but you need to know that you do make a difference.”

The sincerity of the teacher and the impromptu conversation made my day. I wish I had a tape recorder because I am certain I missed some of her inspirational words. I thanked the teacher profusely for her sharing her thoughts with me (especially in front of another staff member) and reminded her that it was a team effort, of which it truly is. I also shared that change is difficult, but we all will be in a better place after the first reporting period is under our belt.

Later tonight, I found myself reflecting on some of the turbulence that we have experienced this school year due to a multitude of reasons, most of which are out of my circle of control: a new social studies curriculum, a new midterm report, a new standards-aligned report card, AIMs Web benchmark testing, RTI, and the implementation of a literacy power hour plus (this last one was in my circle of control). This brought to mind a quote by E.C. McKenzie ~ A good leader inspires men to have confidence in him; a great leader inspires them to have confidence in themselves. As the instructional leader of the school, I not only have the opportunity to watch students grow; I have the pleasure of watching the teachers grow too!