Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed.

As I'm gearing up to switch roles in my educator world, I'm feeling extra reflective so here I sit.

Principal # 1 

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed. From the very start, you challenged me. If my mind serves me correctly in my older age, you didn't want to hire me. I was fresh out of college, and you were certain you wanted someone with experience. After a little convincing from the fourth grade team that I had previously worked with for six weeks as a long term sub, you finally caved and gave this local girl a chance in a classroom of her own.

I always felt like I had to work a little harder than the teacher next door. I had something to prove as my mindset during those first few years definitely sounded something like, "Oh? You think I can't do this? Well, watch this!" I even remember you telling me that I wouldn't be a "good" teacher until I had at least 3 years of experience under my belt. At the time, I admit that I was a little insulted. However, when I think back to that moment, I now understand what you meant. My four year degree didn't mean that I knew everything there was to know about teaching. I still had a lot to learn...and still do!

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed.

Principal # 2

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed. By the time you came along, I thought I had this fourth grade teacher thing all figured out. Was I ever wrong! You taught me what it meant to be part of a true, professional learning community. I began to see the importance in leaning on my teammates for their strengths rather than see my own skills as inferior to theirs. I realized that I, too, had things to offer my teammates where they fell short.

Of all my principals, you were probably the most like me. Numbers and data make sense. They're concrete - black & white if you will - and it's easy to create a plan, to turn the numbers into goals, and give myself something to work toward. This is probably why it was so easy to get along with you. The lessons you taught me are invaluable, and I will carry them with me throughout the remainder of my career as an educator.

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed.

Principal # 3

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed. After my first two principals, I was sure that I had finally found my groove. I was rockin' and rollin' in my fourth grade teacher world, but then you came along and turned my world upside down. You were the extrovert to my introvert. You showed me the value in being a connected educator. I had no idea (well, maybe I had a little idea) how to get connected with literally hundreds of educators that would change the way I teach forever. As a result, I had even more to offer my team, and we're all better for it.

You are everything I am not, and you pushed me to step FAR outside my comfort zone. You trusted me to take on things other leaders had not. You empowered me to be more than just a fourth grade teacher. It wasn't always easy to balance #allthethings, but your confidence in me made me realize I could handle it. I am forever grateful for your mentorship and friendship.

Thank you for being the leader I didn't know I needed.

Future Principals

I can't even begin to imagine what you'll have to teach me, but I am surely looking forward to it. It just keeps getting better.

I hope that if my future holds a principalship of my own, I will take a piece of all of you with me and be the leader that my teachers don't yet know they need.