This week I was able to participate as a member of the team interviewing candidates for our new Assistant Principal position.  Other than an interviewee, I have never had the opportunity to sit in on interviews, let alone be one asking the questions.  I learned much about what makes a good interview question and a good answer.  I saw candidates who came very well-prepared and those who were not prepared.  One candidate came with brochures he had created about programs he envisioned for our school.  It was a difficult decision that the team had to make but I learned a great deal in the process.  

One of the questions that I asked was, “How do you get to know the staff and how do you show them that you appreciate them?”  Listening was the primary answer given.  Here are a few of my takeaways from the day:

1. A staff appreciates having a voice in the selection of the leadership team.   Teachers are going to be working with this person and it is important that they feel comfortable with the leader.

2. Administrators need to listen to their staff.  Get to know your staff, listen to them, support them.  

3. A staff deserves clear and transparent communication.  While there are times when not everything can be shared, when you can tell the staff what is going on, the reasons behind decisions, or the like - do it!  

Let me set the scene for you.  It is my 6th-grade classroom and we are starting our class period as I check in with the students after being gone the day before.  Somehow the following conversation occurred:

S1: YOU’RE a doctor?

S2: Duh, her name is Dr. Jurkowski!

Me: Yes, I am a doctor but if you fall and break your leg, there isn’t much I can do for you.  I am not that kind of doctor.

S1: Then what kind of doctor are you?

Me: I have a Doctorate of Philosophy which means I read a lot of books and write a lot.

S1: Oh, like Dr. Deuss!

Class laughter

S1: Oh! I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean that rude!

Me: I know, I know.  It’s fine, Logan!  I love that description!

As I reflected later that day, I asked myself just how accurate Logan’s description was of me.  I have certainly read a lot and written more papers than I can count but do I write?  As in the present tense - to write.  I have not been spending enough time writing.

I read other people’s blog posts that have been shared and I keep thinking that I will wait until I have that ONE GREAT IDEA that will get people’s attention.  The idea will bring about feelings of innovation and a push to move education forward.  The idea will spur other educators into using maker-based learning in their classrooms.  The ideas that would change education forever!

Yeah, right!?  So I decided today that I am going to stop waiting for the one great idea and write about all my little great ideas.  The ideas I have and use every day.  I will become more like Dr. Seuss and write .... a lot!