PACADEMICS
January 2019 vol. 1
Pondering On: Having a "Work" Tribe
By nature, I am an introvert- I am re-energized when I am alone. In those quiet moments, I have time to reflect, revisit, pray, meditate and think through situations and relationships. I have been this way as long as I can remember. However, being an introvert does not mean that I don't enjoy the companionship of others quite the contrary. Without the many different groups of people in my life- tribes, I wouldn't be the person I am or have achieved what I have. The people in my life have given me the balance I need to continue on my journey.
Lately, the word tribe is used to describe a group of people with whom one goes through and shares life with this includes all aspects of one's life: work, friends, church, and family. As we journey with our tribes, the road isn't always smooth there will be bumps, detours, and roadblocks along the way. These situations define the nature and growth of the tribe. Only when we come out from the other side, do we truly know how genuine the people in our tribe are. Those in our tribes have enough respect to challenge us, listen, support, question, defend, and support us.
As an educator, I have been very blessed to have had many tribes through the years. These were individuals that were willing to be straight with me, hold me accountable, and show me another perspective. Without them, I am not sure I would have remained in education for over thirty-one years. When I left my Academic Coach position at Reagan to be a principal I was very anxious about saying goodbye to my work tribe of 14 years. I realized that without that substantial support of a clan it could be a very lonely, overwhelming and possibly a stagnant journey.
Being a new principal at a different school, I feel very fortunate to have found my Berkshire work tribe. These individuals have given me a "voice of reason," support, laughter, perspective, ideas, and are not afraid to challenge or question my thinking. They have seen my frustration, tears, stubbornness, and anger- yet they have stood alongside me through all of it. I am a better person and principal because of each of them. While I enjoy my quiet nights and alone time, I cherish spending the days with my tribe.
In most occupations having a group of individuals as a tribe is essential. I would argue however that to be extraordinary in the field of education; it is particularly imperative to have a tribe. A clan to collaborate, share, debate, and work with towards the goal of student success and betterment of ourselves. We were meant to have people in our lives whether we are introverts or extroverts. Those who truly know us to our core and with whom we can be honest and open. The more linked we are with others, the more connected we can become with our students.
This Week We Celebrate
February 26th: National Pistachio Day
February 28th: National Pink Day (to stomp out bullying)
March 1st: World Compliment Day and World Book Day
March 2nd: Read Across America Day and Dr. Suess Day
Curriculum Corner
Number Sense Activities: https://goo.gl/bF7Qmj
Examples of Formative Assessment: https://goo.gl/Ja4BK8
Ways to Teach Kids to Pay It Forward: https://goo.gl/exHKoS