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Commitment: More thoughts on "Doing What You are Good At".

Have you heard or used these phrases?

It's all about the students.  Students are our top priority. Students first. 

They are great phrases with an awesome sentiment.  If there is any real source of disillusionment for me as a teacher it comes from how these phrases are used or misused along with "You have to do what is best for you and your family."

Understand, I agree 100% with all of these statements. Students and their needs are the number one thing, and a teacher must do what is best for their own well being and the well being of their family in order to truly meet the e needs of students.

How often are these sentiments twisted simply to get out of an uncomfortable or difficult situation? One of the most extreme examples I have seen is a district moving an amazing classroom teacher during winter break from the classroom to central office for curriculum development. 140 students lost their connection and guide in the learning process half way through the school year.  The phrases above setting students first were used as justification.

Many friends have used the idea that they must do what is best for them to justify leaving a campus where they feel things are not running smoothly. 100% of those teachers are still not happy even in their new locations. Interesting how problems tend to follow us when we move.

Since I started teaching I have been through three principals in a 5 year period, three associate principals and five Directors of Instruction. I have heard ALL of the above comments used at some point to explain and justify the turnover. At some point someone needs to look at the impact on the students and school and evaluate if their best interests are truly being served.

I also find it interesting how all of the campus administration positions with high turnover have been vacated for higher paying and upper district administration positions. Funny how it is never "better" for the students to move back into the classroom, or back down to team leader or department chair.  the only "good" movements seem to be up the ladder.

One of my mentors in education, an effective classroom teacher for over 40 years warned me to "...beware the ladder the climbers".  "...They tend to rise or be given advancement to the point of their least effectiveness."  This advice was given to me long before I became an educator, butI applied it to the occupation and career I was in at the time.  Now I am seeing the the full weight and scope of truth in this advice.

The solution is simple really.  Find what you love.  Stay with it. Commit, and if you have to move coordinate your movement with the life cycles of the institution you are in.  In my district you wouldn't leave an elementary school prior to a complete cycle of grade levels (K-5) or Junior high (6-8) and high School (9-12).  Do not contribute to the chaos by trying to affect a rapid rise to the top.

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