As the dust is somewhat settling to the start of my 14th school year I am starting to find a bit more time to read and reflect and truly start thinking about what #SAVMP. To say there was a big cloud of dust to start the year would be fairly accurate. But, like all educators, we strive to be resilient daily but I found this year to be particularly hard in balancing life.
In PA we are required to take Act 45 classes (Principal PD-PILS) with other local principals. During class last week (and every class so far) these has been some very worthwhile dialogue and I have been able to utilize many of the teachings and share back with our faculty. One activity that hit home was when we were presented with 3 lists of leadership traits from 3 well-known leaders with varying leadership styles (I forget who they all were now but will find out and edit :).
Even though varying in styles, age, and practice, most characteristics overlapped between the
3, and during our breakout sessions most principals resonated with the most common themes of leadership such as serving others, making connections, building trust, communication, etc... HOWEVER one
principal who's district is going through major cuts and has had numerous major challenges so far this year was the only
one who chose "Duty to Self" as one that resonated. She shared her numerous
trials and tribulations that has effected her this year and said if she didn't
have grounded her in this life perspective, she didn't know how she would be able to get up each morning.
It is easy for us to forget about ourselves while trying to complete our job to the best of our ability, but if we don't take care of ourself first, how are we going to be able to take care of others?
Hi Brad!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mike Phelps and I am a student in Lyn Hilt's EDG646 tech and communication class. Reading through your post was very nice and relaxing. Your thoughts are similar of those of many educators and principals that I have met and been around for the past few years. It was very interesting how you mentioned the one administrator making a point to not forget her "duty to self" in the midst of all the chaos that is part of the job. As a student who is learning the ways of administration, I have already heard this concept of "duty to self" arise multiple times. I won't know what it's like to maintain that sense of "duty to self" until I'm thrown into the mix, but now I can keep that thought in mind after hearing it so much, and reading about it in your situation.
I guess the most important thing to do, day in and day out is, make sure you're checking on your own well-being. I'm sure it's easier to say (or write) than do, but having that reminder or thought in your mind someway or somehow will hopefully keep that sense of sanity we all will need in the education field.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThanks for responding and reminding me of this blog I have ignored apparently since 2013... My excuse? Duty to FAMILY I guess... Since 2013 I have had two kids and my wife began working nights so Duty to Family has become the reality. It's usually not until after 9PM at night when I get a chance to sit down. I have continued to check my twitter feed and read the blogs of amazing educators as I always have but have not kept up with my own blog. I also found my health (aka my weight) become an issue so reflecting on what's best for me I committed myself to take time every day to exercise.
Applying the idea of Duty to Self in the school I would apply it to the idea of getting stuck in the trenches of management. As you will find when you become an administrator, it is very easy to get bogged down in the managerial tasks that come with the job. Especially with the role the traditional APs play in the role of discipline it is important to be cognizant of how you are using your time during the school day.
My advice is to keep the "managerial" duties to a time when students are not in school. See your "Duty to Self" as a "Duty to Effective Leadership."
Good luck on your journey Michael, let me know how it goes and feel free to ask any questions along the way.
Brad, I admire your willingness to share your personal story as well as your experiences as an educator. Interestingly enough, the discovery of your blog came at a perfect time and provided me with insight that's very beneficial at this moment in my life. As a current school counselor transitioning into an administrative role for the summer, I find myself needing to remember the importance of self-reflection and identifying what's best for me. Even now, I find myself reflecting on how many of your points of discussion are applicable to my everyday life. More specifically, your comment about how easy it is for us as educators to forget about ourselves while trying to complete our job to the best of our ability resonates with me. Thank you for reminding me to include myself in the list of individuals in which I need to allocate time, attention and support. In order to successfully take care of others, I need to be sure to take care of myself!
ReplyDeleteHello-
ReplyDeleteMy name is Erica Ganther, and this is my first time browsing your blog. Very impressive and insightful! As a teacher smack in the middle of my pursuit of my master's degree in educational leadership, I appreciate your ideas.
I completely agree with your ideas of getting caught up in the whirlwind in the beginning of a new school year and forgetting to take care of yourself. My first week of school just finished, and I am beyond exhausting. But in remember it is all about balance, I am prepared for many more weeks.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Best wishes for a wonderful school year.
Oh, and I teach in Delco too! Very cool.
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