2 Years Later.....

When I began as an Assistant Principal two years ago I started a blog attempting to record my experiences in school. Since much of what is learned in this position comes from experience, is situational, and varies from day to day I felt that to fully utilize my opportunity for growth I had to document, reflect, and receive peer input. As the blog began I wrote some personal blogs about my move as well as the transition from teacher to Principal. I started strong, recording my experiences the first few days of school, however once the school year began, I stopped. Time was somewhat of a factor but that was not the biggest deterrent. The biggest contributor to me not continuing to record my experiences was because my job was in a small school in which the staff and community are very close. As soon as someone read it, the entire community would know, and this might have caused some conflict even though I never stated names or where I worked. “The first grade teacher” is not hard to figure out when there is only one. Moving forward, two years after my last post I have collected over 30 notepads full of information. When talking to students about discipline issues, to parents about their concerns, and when meeting with teachers about their growth I would always write notes down. I am very happy to say that this blog has come back to life and will highlight my continuing educational journey. My blog will serve several purposes. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Educational leadership, am beginning my Superintendent certification courses, and was recently hired at a new school, significantly bigger than my previous one. I feel this blog will be a great tool that will allow me to reflect and to receive feedback from my cohort peers as well as from my colleagues. Whether it be to discuss action research plans, dissertation proposals, or simply to share an interesting story, this blog is full of promise.

A New Phase... Starting the Change

Its about midnight at the end of July...... In the midst of packing, looking for a new place to live in a new city, and figuring out what else I need to do.... I had the crazy thought of starting a blog about my transition in education.... from student to teacher and from teacher to principal. Yesterday I was offered my first Assistant Principal position in a small district in Texas. I accepted it, but havent resigned my current position as a Spanish teacher and coach until I sign an actual contract. The way to where I am hasnt been an easy one.... lets start off backwards and rewind to about 3 months ago.....

About 3 months ago I was finishing up my Masters in Educational Leadership from Texas State University. I have been working on it for 2 years and its been quite the ride. Lots and lots of research and writing.... I met some great people that I will be able to network with in the coming years... As the school year was finishing I started applying for jobs all over..... I am 26 and want to be a Principal by 30 or so, so I was willing to relocate and go anywhere. I feel that kids all over need good leadership and people that care about them... i do and know that I can make a difference in their lives and will try my best to motivate and encourage all to do the same.

Anywho, to make a long long story short, I had a total of 7 interviews, some back to back in cities 3-5 hours apart. I was a finalist in a few of them but did'nt get selected because of "experience." When the principals would call they had nothing but great things to say about me, but that they went with someone that had been around a while. The constant interviews (auditions) were draining!! Ultimately I was called to interview in a small district who wanted someone who (1) Had or was finishing up their Administrative degree (2) Could coach (3) Could drive a bus, and (4) Could speak Spanish...... I interviewed and was called back as a finalist for a second interview.... I got the job....

So now I am moving from beautiful Austin, Texas and will begin to implement everything I have been daydreaming about for years now.... I have so many innovative ideas I want to put into place... I will log many of my thoughts and actions to keep track of the progress, the realities, the funnies, the sads, the angries, and most importantly the growth I will have with my experience....

Tomorrow I will go to the school that I've been teaching for 4 years (the only school ive been at besides student teaching) and pick up some of my stuff... amongst all that is the most special item; a hammock so beaten up by 8th graders that its barely standing...

Stay Updated... I assure you that the education setting will bring the best stories... from a pre-k student saying the cutest thing to a group of rowdy parents wanting power to the student who has overcome so much... I will share everything I see and feel......

Back to Packing...

Things to do:
1. Find a place to live on craigslist
2. Rent out my condo
3. Write an email to my staff at HB saying bye
4. Help my principal fill the position im leaving
5. Finish this list..... im out for now...