Do NOT Thank Me
Last week I had an email conversation going with someone regarding an SEL program we will be implementing in the 22/23 school year. Towards the end of our threaded convo, this individual wrote,
“On a personal note, thank you for continuing in education as a principal. I truly believe the retention of highly qualified leaders is the key to retaining highly qualified teachers because we all know teachers are the key to student success. So, thank you for your service as a school principal.”
Reading these kind, thankful, positive words…hurt. Why did they hurt? That wasn’t their intent, and I have no ill feelings towards the individual who “spoke” them. I hold this individual in the highest regard and am beyond thankful for all of the work they do to fight for our students’ mental and physical well-being. The pain of reading these words hurt for reasons beyond my control.
I’ve seen far too many amazing educators, both within my current district and across social media, leaving the classroom and education all together due to the current state of it.
The pandemic, which is still plaguing our world and classrooms, has put more stress on educators. I’m not going to rehash all of the ways we have had to adapt to teaching and addressing SEL and trauma, sometimes on an hourly basis. There are articles and blogs out there on this very topic that have been written by educators far more intelligent than me. All I will say is that the pandemic has transformed education going forward, some for the good, some for the bad, and some for the argyle.
As of recent, I have seen many educators leaving their classrooms and schools at the end of this current year for lack of support. Many don’t feel supported by colleagues, parents, or administration, both at the building and district level. If you have seen my speak or follow me on Twitter, I am a huge advocate of beating to our own double bass drum. If it’s right for kids, do it, regardless of what others think. But I also know, that when we don’t feel supported it’s extremely difficult to keep our tempo up with that one-man band.
This blog is not going to have any answers to the state education is facing. Teacher shortages, lack of support, mandates, and procedures we must implement despite knowing they are not for the best, and of course, state testing, are not going away any time soon. I wish I had some answers for those that are choosing to leave this calling they once had. I wish I could offer some kerosene for those whose fire has begun to dwindle out.
The only advice I can offer, the one that has helped me, because trust me when I say that I too have thought about leaving many times this year, is to revisit your “Why.” I know it’s corny and cliche, but once I truly examined why I became an educator, it kept me going. I want to see and hear every child, and I want them to know the power their voice has, that they are not alone and will always have me in their corner when they feel the world is knocking them down to the canvas. I want them to know they can, and will, become anything and everything they want to become and that I know they will fix the issues in our world that we haven’t been able to.
As for the lack of support, please know that if you are experiencing that in your current role, know, that it is not like that everywhere. Please don’t feel you must stay where you are because you’ve always been there. If there are any embers still hot inside of you, please don’t just let them die. Search for more kindling, a new environment, to get that fire raging again. It can happen, and schools that are full of support are out there.
Now, why am I saddened by these kind words I received? It’s because I know how those leaving feel, and I don’t blame them, but at the same time, I wish I could help. I wish I could bring them to our campus, to give them one more shot. I know that they have changed the world for many students, many that they have no idea of the impact they made. And I know, that in this profession we need as many fighters to stand up for our kids when decisions are being made by those far from classrooms and schools.
Please check out my latest book, The EduCulture Cookbook: Recipes & Dishes to Positively Impact Classroom & School Culture with EduMatch Books & my podcast, Punk Rock Classrooms.
