First Days of School

I think back to my days in elementary and middle school, when I picked my favorite new outfit and shined my shoes for the first day of school.  My hair had to be just so, typically with Dad pulling the pigtails nice and tight, slicking the hair down and braiding the pigtails for my much-anticipated first day. Most years I was nervous, unsure what to expect.  We moved frequently, so I never knew what to expect from one year to the next.  Change was the expectation, and I learned to adapt to whatever situation was presented.  Maybe that’s why I didn’t bat an eye at schooling in Vietnamese, rather I started talking to another little girl, trying to figure out her language.  When in Rome, do as the Romans, right?

The days of my formal schooling may be long past, but I continue to anticipate the first day of school.  This time I am not one of the throngs of eager, excited students, but now one of the administrators.  I’ve seen many first days of school as a teacher, and this year will be my first on the administrative side of education.  I have no idea what to expect, since I’m a principal-in-training. What does that look like? I’m still not entirely sure. I know I’m not the one making the decisions, or being held accountable (whew!)  I’ll be shadowing a highly-recommended principal, trying to learn from her decisions and actions.  I’m looking forward to observing, trying to fit into this new role in a new neighborhood.

This blog will chronicle my experiences, learning and reflections of a year-long internship in an urban school.  Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and let’s chat.