This is one of the movies that inspired me to become a teacher:
If you haven’t seen it, you might actually “become dumber” by watching it. The truth is, I just loved the thought of having fun around little kids in school all day. Seemed like the best job ever.
Somewhere between that movie and now I had to grow up (a bit). My day is often spent in meetings, on the phone, or working on some of the “managerial” tasks that a principal must do. Working with three separate school sites, it is very tough to actually teach a class on a consistent basis.
Although, I spend a lot of time in the classroom visiting students, I have not had the opportunity to actually “teach” a class in about a year. Today, I had the fortunate opportunity to cover for my grade two teacher and cover her class for about an hour.
It was so FUN! The kids were pretty excited about the chance to have their principal as their teacher and I was excited to get to do some art with them. I laughed a great deal with the kids, and had the odd “look” from some teachers as they passed by and saw me teaching.
This year I have tried to be in the classroom more now that I am in the “swing” of being a principal in my second full year. I have recently started going to classes and reading to the kids as another way to get to know them. Although this is great for the students to see and know their principal, it is great for me to just be around them.
No matter what administrative position you are in, whether you teach or not, you always have the opportunity to be around the kids. Make sure you take advantage of it and connect with those that you serve.
I was one of those odd "looks" today as I walked by Sheena's classroom, but thought it was really great for you to be in her room teaching! The kids looked like they were having a lot of fun… and so did you!
Great idea… I know my students love even when you come in to visit and chat with them!
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My principal is really trying this this year. He has been a huge part of the everyday happenings in our school. You can often find him spending time with the kids on the playground, in their element. He likes to visit classes and just learn with the rest of the class. He's even starting to tweet about it.
I'm glad to see that you're still having fun.
My 1st teaching job was at a small private school and when i went on maternity leave my head principal taught my class in the afternoon. The kids formed an awesome relationship with her during that time. She missed being in the classroom and loved it as much as the kids. I just left a situation that was the opposite. I taught at a school where in the 3 years there my head admin only stepped into my classroom 3 times, yes in 3 years! Once when he did, the kids asked who he was when he left, and it was April. He was a Wizard of Oz type person who did announcements on occasion & had no relationship with the kids. My point of telling you this is that the school where the students had a relationship with the principal had a more positive climate. They were not afraid of her (to be honest I was not nervous around her) where in the other school they had less respect. Doing what you did today is building a respect that in the future will be so positive for your school. The kids need to know you care about them more than a school. You are doing a awesome job! BTW love that movie. Now I have that song stuck in my head!
Thanks Geo, I needed a good laugh tonight and with Billy M. you certainly hit the jackpot. I too make a point of covering classes for teachers and it is truly a great way to connect with students. Hope things are going well for you, sounds like they are.
Back to school, back to school
I'm sure your wanting to become a teacher had nothing to do with one Ms. Veronica Vohn? *grin*
The kids really are what it is all about, when you get to spend time laughing with them, working with them, watching something "click" for the first time, you remember why we all do what we do. I'm glad you are getting the opportunity for more of that!
I spent a lot of time on the library floor with our 6th grade students last week. We read, solved math problems, and (most importantly) had fun. Not only was it great for the students – all expressed sadness when our time ended – it was therapeutic for me. All the "grown-up" principal tasks waiting back on my desk seemed more meaningful after I stood up & brushed off my suit.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
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