In my 40 years in education I had numerous Principals.  There was one who almost never left his office to walk through the school, one who lived by the “good ole boys” code, one who showed up in my room to listen to music when she needed a break from the demands of her job, and one who spent his time trying to make sure the parents were happy….often at the expense of some teacher who didn’t do anything wrong besides ruffle someone’s feathers.  Of all the Principals I had, only one encouraged and challenged me to be the best I could be.

Both of us lived some distance from the school so when our schedules demanded that we stay late, we would often spend time hanging out together.  We had great conversations about whatever was on our mind.  He would help me think through band director/teaching stuff and I would help him think through Principal stuff.  Through our open and safe conversations I became a better educator and I suspect he would say he became a better Principal.  Needless to say, the years spent working together were among the best years of my teaching experience.

In your teaching experience, I hope you have the opportunity to work with such an administrator.  I can tell you that having a superior who treats you as an equal, allowing you the freedom to speak openly about not only your concerns, but their’s as well, makes teaching even more satisfying than it already is.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Lead Mentor/COO

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education