Starting the School Year. As a school-based administrator entering my 3rd year in a building, I have experienced very little “normal.” I thought this year would be different. Er, rather, I hoped. Here we are on the Friday before teachers return. COVID-19 numbers are surging. Mask wars are on full-scale. Staff members are stressed already. My question is – How do I take care of everyone and still take care of ME?
COVID ponderings. On March 13, 2020, the sudden, unexpected halt to education (& sort of the world in many ways) came at us like a freight train in a tunnel. I honestly did not know what to think and initially was simply numb. I don’t do well with sudden changes or unexpected crises. I know. “And you are an administrator in a high school?” you ask. I will be honest – I am still learning.
March 13, 2020, to the present day. Many twists and turns, sudden stops and starts, and variations of what school looks like bring us to today and the start of another strange school year. Maybe it won’t be all year but already the seas look choppy. I feel the walls moving in and my stress level increasing. But I am in a small, rural school. How bad can things be? Really?
What is my role in COVID-19 Part II? Or is this III? Much like the movie Groundhog Day – which I love – I feel like I am reliving the same moments over and over. You would think I would have the hang of this by now, that I would know what to do and how to do it, that I would help lead our building. I will say I am in a better place than I have been since March 13, 2020. I have an idea of what needs to be done and I am ready to face that challenge with realistic positivity.
As an administrator, what can I do for my staff and students? There are so many actions we can take but what are the most important ones? In no particular order, some lessons I have learned in the past two years include the following:
- LISTEN – Take time to be present and truly hear what others are saying. Ask questions to better understand. Put yourself in their shoes.
- BE COMPASSIONATE – Having compassion for others does not mean that you still don’t hold them to high standards but it sometimes means increasing your empathy and being understanding and tender.
- HELP LESSEN THE LOAD – If you are able, look for ways to make the path clearer for those around you or following you. How can you do something to ease the work or pain of others?
- LIFT OTHERS UP – Go out of your way to be what I call a “bucket filler” so that people feel better, not worse when they are in your presence or when you part ways. I highly recommend an older but excellent book, “How Full is Your Bucket?”
- DO WHAT YOU CAN – Recognize your limitations, strengths, and talents. Do what you can within your means. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help or to invite them to join in your efforts.
Take a risk. Show those you lead that you are always willing to try and willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to fail. That is when the true learning happens.
