The signs have got me thinking about some original ones I would like to create for my role as principal. I think I might need some signs to share (and explain) this wisdom:
1. I'm Not Ignoring You - If I don't wave or stop to chat when I see you in the hall, it is likely that I am in the middle of an "almost crisis" or have left my glasses in the office and don't know who you are... Don't take it personally.
2. Dress to Impress - I have never shown up with my child to the pediatrician's office to find the doctor dressed in ripped jeans and a low cut top. If I did, I think I would have a hard time taking what she said seriously. I realize that in education we have "spirit days" (and many others that seem purposely designed for jeans). I have seen teachers of all ages look great by adding a cute sweater, tucking in their shirt, and/or wearing trouser-style jeans. Really - we should not have the same wardrobe as the students.
3. A Rainy Day Does Not Equal Movie Time - Unless it is a film design class, the days of movies in the classroom should be ancient history, much like filmstrips. With streaming, DVR, DVD, smartphones, tablets, cable television, and DVD players in cars, do we really think that movies are special or new? Small clips to support instruction are fine, but I wonder how attentive my staff would be if I sat them down to watch Grease at our next professional development opportunity and then asked them to compare it to the book?
4. Make Every Moment Count - We don't get to pick the days to teach. We teach every day. This means on the first day, the last day, the "party days", days before (and after a holiday), and all of the days in between. Period. Don't make me discuss this with you. It was part of the deal when you were hired.
5. Kids are My Business - Don't get me wrong, I also like teachers. I am one, actually, at night. However, my job is to make sure that all decisions are made with the children's best interest in mind. If the teachers' best interest is the same - well, that's just swell! If it isn't, I regret that. The only time I think I have ever truly disagreed with staff is when they were looking out "for number one". Otherwise we should be able to professionally discuss, debate, and determine the right plan of action for our students.
6. Be Careful With Your Words - Public comments, like facebook or the teachers' lounge, always find their way back to the principal. Rise above it. Everyone has moments when they would rather stay home or are unhappy with their day/team/supervisor/etc. Professionals rise above it. There is a quote I love, which I think will actually be the sign I create:
Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.
