My eight year stint as principal is coming to an end this month, and I’m finding it hard to say goodbye to my colleagues.
To my friends.
I am often reticent to use military analogies. Terms like “heroes” and “warriors,” should be reserved for those who have experienced true moments of life and death, or have sacrificed neary everything for their cause or country. Although an athlete, for example, can be a positive force by serving as a role model, I hesitate to call him or her a “hero.”
That said, having accepted a position with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, I have found myself “looking around the room.” I’ve been thinking about those with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work and the profound impact they have on our children, and, subsequently, our nation. Facing an uncertain climate, hostile politics, vasciliating policies, and the unending challenges attributable to the difficult profession they have chosen, many of the peers I leave behind have earned our admiration and respect. They deserve to be viewed with a sense of awe.
My district is facing the most depleted talent pool in recent memory, as people leave the profession or avoid it in record numbers. But this group stays on for the fight, committed to our children, regardless of the odds. They are tired, overworked, underpaid, and poorly understood. But, that’s what heroes do. They fight. They don’t give up.
Those to whom I’m saying goodbye are, indeed, warriors.
And, they are heroes.
Comments 8
You are my hero Mike. You lead other teachers by giving them the ability to lead. The next principal has some big shoes to fill. You will be taking care of us all on a bigger scale.
“They are tired, overworked, underpaid, and poorly understood. But, that’s what heroes do. They fight. They don’t give up.”
You lead by example. Looking forward to where your next steps take us all.
Good luck and Godspeed Mike. You’re one of those rare colleagues who nurtures the seeds growing in everyone who works with you.
Mike, I wish you the best! I think you are an amazing leader and I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to work on your staff. Through a twist of fate, that application I had to Paradise Valley never got completed.
And as one great leaves the classroom, another has returned!
http://www.storiesfromschoolaz.org/2014/08/and-im-baaaaccckkkk-.html
Mike-
Thank you for fighting the good fight and having the courage to step out into the big unknown. Your school and teachers will continue to fight and they will prevail… because that is what teachers and leaders do.
Bravo! You are right…heroes…”this group stays on for the fight.” The commitment is deep, and our students are so worth it. Best of luck!
Mr. Lee,
You made a profound impact on my education growing up and I have fond memories of the time I spent as your student. Thank you for teaching me both personally and academically to achieve greatness. I will always think of you whenever I see the film Gladiator, as a result of the giant poster you had on the wall in class. I am also reminded of you whenever I read S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, thanks to your excellent in class narrations. Your teachings live on in your students, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of learning from such a wonderful professor. I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Julia LeClaire