The first week of the school year has passed. My new staff completed their first week with their students and had the opportunity to meet the parents. I usually meet with the new staff at the end of the first week for 15 minutes to check in and ask a few questions. However, after reading John Wink’s article on “5 Alternatives to Asking New Teachers How They’re Doing” I was excited to try a different approach. While reading this article, I realized how much I related to it. He described what I normally ask my staff, whether they are old or new. “Hi how are you? Or “Hi how’s it going?” He stated that when we ask those types of questions, it does not give us any indication on how they are truly doing. So instead, he states to ask specific questions.
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Guest Speaker
A month and a half ago Kimberly from University of Washington found me on Twitter. She reached out to me asking if I would be a guest speaker to talk about about Kuwait’s education, the everyday life in Kuwait and about my personal life. I gasped when I read her email and automatically replied back saying that I would love to. I was very nervous but knew that this would be a great opportunity.
Admin life never ENDS!
I recently tweeted a few weeks ago the following statement: “Admin life does not end on the last day of school.” A few people responded privately saying, “I am glad I am not the only one that thinks this” or “ That is so true!” I smiled as I read them and replied.There is no such thing as a vacation when taking on a role in admin. We might not be on campus but we are surely working, thinking or reading. I am glad I wasn’t the only one feeling or thinking that way.
HIKING?! ME?!
June 26th marked our 10 year anniversary. I suggested to my husband that we should do something crazy! I said, “Let’s go hiking instead of the yearly dinner that we do.” He looked at me and thought that I was joking. All of my friends enjoy hiking and after seeing some pictures I’ve wanted to try it. So my husband being my husband started researching and contacted someone and gave him our details. A few hours later we got a response back with the location for beginners along with some pictures and information that we needed.
Teacher Life vs. Admin Life
Being a classroom teacher for 10 years gave me the control of my own class. Each year I cared and loved for 23 students and their parents. I worried whether all of my students were learning and aimed to give my undivided attention to those who were struggling. I planned for 23 students keeping in mind those who needed the extra help. I worried each time I would give a summative, for those who would not do well and worried about their parents reaction.
Reflecting on my first year as an AP
For the last twelve days I have been reflecting over the past school year. I have completed my first year as an AP and I felt as if I was on a roller coaster. There were many ups and downs and I found myself going round and round.
Thinking back on the year there are some things that I would do differently. In the moment, it’s difficult to analyze all situations. I don’t think anyone even with years of experience would have an answer for everything. Being in education there isn’t a day that repeats itself. There is never a dull moment because you are always on your toes.
Workout take 50!?!?
I ended my last blog in my health journey by saying: With my luck let’s see. Will I be able to get back on track before traveling for the summer? On Tuesday I will try once again. I hope and pray this is the end of the curse on me and working out!
Tuesday came… did I workout? NO! Why? Because my daughter was sick yet again and I was stuck at work till about 4pm. I messaged Ondrej and canceled our session and rescheduled for Sunday. Friday night my nanny returned and I thought to myself, I will finally have the time to do everything I need to do!
Goodbyes
Working in International Schools is not easy. I am finding it harder and harder year after year to say goodbye to wonderful admin/teachers. As a teacher I used to hide so that no one could come and say bye as I know that tears will start rolling down. Being in an admin role I knew that I couldn’t do it as everyone wants to come by and say bye. Those whom I built relationships with were the hardest. With some of them, I managed to say bye from far and waved and gave them a flying kiss. They understood the way I am with goodbyes. Those who don’t know how I am with goodbyes probably thought I was weird, cold hearted and heartless.
Workout..Me? Say what??!!
As most of you know since February I have been having a hard time when it comes to working out. For the past three years I have been working out consistently.
February hit and my back messed me up. I had to take a few weeks off from working out. When I was cleared, I had to start back from square 1 which I did not like at all. Once I started getting back on track my kids decided to get sick which resulted to many sleepless nights. When it came time to work out I was unmotivated and I found myself not concentrating during my sessions. Even in this state of mind I still tried my best and continued.
Professionalism
Recently I tweeted the following statement: “Professionalism is…” A few people responded with their opinions.
What is professionalism in your eyes? How does it look and feel in your school?
Nearly completing my first year as an AP, I have come to wonder how professionalism is seen through other people’s views. I found myself comparing my own professionalism as a teacher for the past 10 years to now as an AP.