As I have begun my teaching career, I have been able to share some of my ups and downs, but sometimes not with the right people. I changed that today.
My Principal is the best person I know right now... and by that I mean she helped me by listening.
She is younger, bright, concerned, and interactive. And I think the last quality is her best one. The students know who she is, talk walks with her, and find themselves in her office, and not just for bad acts. The students know their Principal. I have never had that feeling.
Until now.
I am a new teacher. Although I 'know' my Principal, she is still like my mother. That may sound crazy because I am an adult (most days...) and I am a working woman. How can your boss be your mother? (Mom... She is NOT replacing you... I promise!)
I think the hardest part for me to overcome is when I was in school, it wasn't good to 'know' the Principal, or for the Principal to know your name. It meant you were a bad student. This has become my 'light' today. I am not a bad teacher for the Principal knowing my name.
I am not a bad teacher for the Principal knowing my name.
I am not a bad teacher for the Principal knowing my name.
Sorry, I have to keep repeating that to myself.
So, today I became frustrated, and I think, more hurt. I will give you the short story.
Today there were conferences held during the school day. Most teachers only teach one gender, and while they are in conferences, the students have fall fun day. They are to watch a movie in the morning and then go to a destination for a fun day. Well, I teach both genders. I was able to split a sub with another teacher so I could partake in conferences, while my other gender students had class. Today the girls were in class.
I realized on my way to work this morning that some conferences were being held in the library and that I had to figure out a new room for two of my classes (which are held in the library). I thought I figured that out, and in between conferences escorted some to the 'new' classroom. I was mistaken that the room was empty... it took about 10 minutes to figure out the new room. My students lost at least 15 minutes of work time... I have to say, that I believe if I didn't care about my students, I wouldn't be upset about this... but I do.
So, basically I ended up feeling that I wasn't a respected teacher. I know that seems silly, but it is true. I have had to change classrooms for so many reasons that I am concerned at the lack of learning time...
I learned that I can talk to my Principal... I addressed this after school with her today, and she understood. She didn't make me feel bad about crying (which I was.. because I just was.) She didn't push me away and tell me to figure it out, I am a new teacher you know. She listened. She told me what she knew (built up my self-esteem about being a teacher). And then she told me that it was wrong to do that to my students, and that she would address that for the future.
Thank God.
I can talk to my Principal.
Just for reference, the reason why she is like my Mother is that I don't want to let her down.
Disappointment from Family just sucks*.
*Yes, Mother I put that word in there for you! ;)
Thanks for understanding.
