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.
I have learned a lot this year and still need to learn in many areas.
- I have learned to be patient when I want something to change.
- I have learned to listen to everyone that comes into my office without interrupting nor jumping to conclusions.
- I have learned that in some situations you do not need to make a decision right then and there.
- I’ve learned not to panic nor show that we are in panic mode in front of my staff.
- I have learned to believe in my staff and fight for them till the end.
- I learned to listen to both sides of the story before drawing any conclusions and to not assume anything. There’s always two sides to a story.
- I have learned to be firm when I need to be.
- I learned that when you support your staff they give their best.
- I have learned to wear and change many hats for whom comes through my door.
- I have learned to say no to parents and to stop them right there.
- I have learned it is impossible to please every single staff member.
- I have learned that not everyone will like you and that’s ok. For me that is the hardest part.
- I have learned to accept feedback whether it is positive or negative and to let it digest and then see what I can do with it.
- I have learned to paint the picture in people’s mind of me and to not let them paint their own picture of me.
- I have learned when in meetings to put students needs first and not staff needs when it comes to their education.
- I have learned that when your staff trusts you they will support you and will always smile even on their bad days.
- I have learned to not expect gratitude. Staff rarely gives compliments but they can complain at any given moment. That it’s hard for them to say something positive which is fine.
- I have learned to love my staff despite how they act sometimes and to always be there for them no matter what.
I am sure there’s a lot more but I wanted to share what I have learned this year.