Surviving challenges
Online dialogues through blogs can take on a life
of their own. If you become a focus of discussion
that makes you out to be a villain, take heart.
You are not alone, and you will survive.
L 12 Leadership
et’s face it. Deep down inside, we all want to be respected as school leaders. And for the most part, we all want to be loved, a trait shared
by human beings. We start our careers as educators with enthusiasm and optimism about the promise and opportunity of work- ing with students. If we are caring and dedicated to the task,
we can experience the joys of our profession, including praise and appreciation from stu- dents and parents. We can become heroes in the lives of many, making a difference by guiding, challenging, supporting and con- necting in ways that bring out the best in our students and colleagues. Powerful examples exist of teachers who
make a huge difference in the lives of their students. Take Jaime Escalante, who cap- tured the hearts and minds of inner-city youth by showing them their potential, pushing them and giving them opportuni- ties to succeed in ways they never thought possible. Or take U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson,
who took up a teaching position working with students whose view of school was pro- foundly negative, as were many of their life experiences. Yet, through the writing pro- cess and by building strong bonds with her students and challenging them to grow, she helped them find their own voices and gain a better understanding of who they are and their potential as unique human beings. Or better yet, simply visit any local ele-
mentary, middle or high school and you will see acts of heroism and inspiration taking place daily.
Once loved, now hated The role of teacher is a fulfilling one, but
some of us chose to leave the classroom for a path into administration, moving through the system in a variety of roles. We move up the traditional ranks as vice principal, prin- cipal, director, assistant superintendent and
By Lisa Gonzales, Charles Young and Gretchen Shipley
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