After year one of administration, I wanted to reflect on this letter I wrote myself before I ever entered my office for the first time. In the spring of 2017, when I was hired, I wrote the letter below to myself because I hoped I would never forget these certain things I found important as an instructional coach and teacher.
Year one is officially in the books.
Last week, I completed my final goals meeting as a district administrator, and I’m excited to say–I not only survived this year, (I’m not one to brag publically) but I indeed thrived. It didn’t come easy; in fact, it was one of the most challenging professional roles I’ve yet to embark upon. I learned a lot of tough lessons and got a lot of second chances. No doubt, it was a process. However, the relationships I built and the community of learners I served provided me with one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve yet to be a part of in this profession. This year is a pivotal year in my life as an educator, and I’ll likely never forget it. Ever.
Have a few mins? Take a peek at my video below– Year One #TheRookieAdmin Reflections Vlog.
Time Capsule Vlog
Reflections and Lessons Learned
From #TheRookieAdmin – Year One
June 2018
Spring of 2017
(This is a letter I began writing to myself when I accepted my first district administration role in March of 2017.)
Dear Future Administrator Me,
Here are few tips I hope you never forget as you embark upon this new journey of administration.
R.
Build relationships FIRST!
Listen to teachers, students, and the school community. Their voices need to not only be heard but valued.
Be transparent. Clear communication is HUGE! Share what you can and be clear about why any other information is not ready to be discussed. This will buy you trust and time.
Turn the spotlight on others and let them shine; it’s a direct reflection of outstanding leadership.
MODEL! Walk the talk. LIVE it. Breathe it. This is one of your strengths. Don’t lose it!
Don’t blanket email large groups with a statement of disciplinary that’s meant for one individual. Go to the source, put on your big girl panties (and your red high-heels) and take care of it, face-to-face.
Remember: great leaders empower leaders. Small but mighty statement!
Discover the strengths and passions of those you work with. Help others play to their strengths. Don’t focus on weaknesses; it’s a waste of time. You’re good at this; don’t lose this when you become an administrator!
Don’t create a team, survey, or ask for feedback if your mind is already made up. There’s no reason to waste the time of others.
Likewise, don’t call meetings if it can be written in an email.
E.
Apologize. Making mistakes is ok. Shoot, you know you make them all of the time! Say, “I’m sorry.”
Share your passions and your quirks, overtly. Sounds silly but normalize your weirdness. Why not? We are all a little odd. It’s the REAL connection needed in our world today.
Also, bring your fidgets to admin meetings. It’s ok for them to see adults have needs, too.
You will get LOTS of help along the way. Take time to thank them for saving you hours and sometimes YEARS of troubleshooting. Then, pay it forward. I doubt you will ever forget this one because you know how much this drives you batty.
Share even if no one notices your work.
KEEP sharing; it’s best for everyone!
Always remember to show gratitude to those who help make your job easier.
Share your passion! I know you’re a complete nerd, and your passion projects are centered around reading and writing, but share that with those you work alongside. It helps them understand you.
A.
Wear ONE face–that one you see in the mirror! Don’t put on a mask for the staff and another mask for the students. Then, switch and wear another mask for the community and one for political figures. What about changing the mask another time for the board of education and the superintendent. As tempting as it might be, DON’T DO it! You know better! Be REAL!
Provide on-demand support.
Keep your door open and your phone nearby.
Respond to those in need even if you don’t have the answer. It’s perfectly ok to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I find out.”
A little feedback goes a long way. People want to be heard and know you value them and their needs.
Don’t forget to acknowledge those that DO the work. Yes, delegate responsibilities, but make it a point to allow those that accomplish the task to share it with others. They deserve to be recognized for their hard work.
Great leaders are, often, invisible glue.
Never forget what it feels like to be in the field–teaching. If you ever get to the point when you can’t walk into a room and teach, you’ve lost your priorities and connections with students. This is when you MUST refocus.
Tara, schedule protected time to ensure teaching never becomes foreign. This is HUGE! It’s your purpose in this life!
L.
Make it a priority to learn from students.
One of your favorite statements to share with students when you walk into a classroom is, “Teach me something new.” And, they do! You learn so much from them. Sometimes it’s a new skill, a simple smile when they are facing unbelievable odds, or possibly it’s the simple reminder to stay curious and full of wonder.
Kids are amazing teachers. Never forget that.
Build a positive culture. Yes, it’s hard, but you are fully capable of being instrumental in making this a priority.
Stay Connected. Continue to seek help from your professional learning network. They are there for you and share similar passions. When the going gets rough, don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow PLN peeps.
Be strong. Be bold. Smile.
Keep the kids at the CENTER of all you do!
Flex in the mirror every once in awhile.
Be R.E.A.L.
Love,
#TheRookieAdmin
Time Capsule Vlog
Dear Future Administrator Me,
March 2017
*If my readers have feedback for the #TheRookieAdmin, please share in the comments below.
I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others.
Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.
rhonda gregory
This was so amazing! As I enter my sixth year as an assistant principal, I’m reminded to keep learning and keep growing. And, to keep being ME. It’s exactly what has worked so far! I’m looking for that that next step to principalship soon, and I will most certainly reflect ton these reminders again.
Rhonda, this feedback means so much to me. Thank you for sharing. Keep being YOU. That has worked wonders for me in any role, too. Be REAL. It’s enough.
This was an amazing read! I hope your year was as fabulous as you! Thanks for sharing your journey, it was an honor to meet you a year ago when you shared your story and taught me booksnaps!
Awww…thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Kimiyo. It was wonderful. I’m eager to chase my dreams and try something new, but I’ll never forget this incredible admin journey I had the honor to experience.
