Deep in Thought

Where does the time go? We all ask this question as we try to cram as much as possible into our busy lives. I'm sitting here in the UMHB library in one of the study carrels hoping time slows down for a while as I have become so interested in reading everyone's blog but still have a ton of work to complete. You are all so insightful and make me think about this journey we're on and my own thought processes. This week I met with my teachers to discuss some concerns they had about the alternative program. I began by telling them that I am in a state of transition. I'm on a spiritual journey to becoming a better leader. Leading with Soul has inspired me. After I poured my heart out to them they got real. We talked openly about the things that were bothering them and they released a lot of anxiety they were feeling. We walked out of that meeting laughing and talking about when we were going to have our next meeting. That's how all meeting should end.

One of our focus questions asks us to consider how generational differences are impacting relationships between teachers and administrators, as well as between teachers and students. Being a fairly young administrator has not been an issue for me. Most of the teachers I work with are older than me, but I treat everyone with the same dignity and respect. I know teachers that have been in the profession for a number of years tend to think differently than a brand new teacher, but you just have to learn how to finesse them and utilize their experience so they are willing to work towards the campus vision. I struggle more with our relationships with students. Our students are living in a different world from even 10 years ago when I entered the teaching profession. The old five percenter rule probably needs to be bumped up to more like ten percent. It use to be said that you can expect that five percent of the students in your class will be a constant behavior concern. When I was a kid you did an assignment because you were told to do it; now many students are have to be convinced or threatened that they should complete an assignment because it is in their best interest. Most of the students I work with have so much going on in their world that school work is the last thing on their mind. Family lifestyles are changing, money is a constant issue for many, and little attention is being paid to the need to form relationships with our youth. One reason I was glad to get out of teaching was that I wouldn't have to worry about my 20-22 students all the time, but now that worry has been replaced with every student in the elementary alternative program. I think about them all of the time, constantly pondering how we can make a difference in their lives. We have them for seven hours a day and have no control over the seventeen hours plus weekends they are away from us. All I can say is that each day is a new day and a new opportunity to make a difference no matter how small.

On another note, I ran today in a 10 mile race on Ft. Hood. I was able to complete the race before the heavy downpour and finished within the top 10 females. I don't recommend running that kind of distance unless you fully train for it because now I can barely walk. I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Do what you can to make your place of employment a better organization and continue to practice getting in touch with the right side of your brain.