I have always been a proponent of the philosophy, "change is good." Having said that, I was much more open to change in my own life and career when I was younger. I pursued my Masters in Educational Leadership in my twenties and willingly sought out and took on the challenges of leadership positions. It was exciting and new and fresh.
For the past 11+ years I have been the principal and lead learner of Bear Tavern Elementary School, a wonderful community that is dedicated to education. Recently, I had the opportunity to make a change. It was frightening to contemplate. My superintendent and I discussed the need for assistance on some of the district's critical technology related projects. With my passion for technology and its appropriate use for teaching and learning, I was intrigued. But, how could I move on from my position as principal to work in a role that is so different and may or may not be there in the future? That took some real reflection.
After considering the options, I came to the conclusion that I needed to take a risk. I thought back to those early years in my career when I was eager for a new challenge and willing to take those leaps. I decided to go for it. So now, my title is "Principal on Assignment." I am working on projects including implementation of PARCC assessments district-wide, development of a plan for the district to transition to a new student information system, and supporting and actualizing the expansion of our 8th grade 1:1 Chromebook initiative to grades 9 and 7. Those are some of the major responsibilities among other things.
I was unsure if I would be comfortable working out of our central office and not being based in a school; however, this position has afforded me the opportunity to interact with teachers and students in all six of our schools from preschool through 12th grade. Every day is something new and different. Additionally, I am involved in educating students (and teachers) in an entirely different way.
So, I guess the point of my post is more of a personal revelation. I have been professing the virtues of change to the teachers and students with whom I have worked over the years, but while doing so, I slipped into a position that provided me with the opportunity to engage in what I can only describe as "comfortable change." I firmly believe that the work we have done at Bear Tavern during my time there was positive, good for children, and affirms the reasons that I went into education all those years ago. But, now I have taken one of those leaps into something less defined and less secure. It is exciting and invigorating!
What does the future hold? Who knows? I am ready for it. I feel like I am truly living the advice I have given others so often over the years.
What changes do you need to make? It is worth some thought.
