Step one…Getting into the building.




Either me or my wife walk our dog every morning. He needs the exercise so he doesn’t become a freak during the day. Don’t we all need exercise so we can keep from becoming freaks too?

Anyways, there is an APS elementary school near our house and it was time for the first year teachers to report to this particular building for the first time in their careers. I remember that feeling pretty well, it wasn’t that long ago. Every APS school is locked from the outside as well and these teachers were there before the office staff had reported to work, therefore there was no one to “buzz them in.” My wife walked by them, noticed their worry and confusion, and knew this was no way to begin a teaching career. My wife then suggested they try the side door where she had seen teachers enter and exit this building for many years. “There’s a side door?” they exclaimed as they appreciatively said thanks and went in to begin their process of changing the world one student at a time.

Just thought I’d share that story for a few reasons. First, it’s cute. Second, it’s hard to do your job if you can’t get into the building. That’s sort of the first step. And third, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to look for, and use the side door as you go through life. There’s nothing wrong with that and it might just save you some time and effort in the process.

Have a great school year everyone…

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One Response to “Step one…Getting into the building.”

  1.   El Jefe Says:

    That is a great story. It is so true. On one hand the teachers are ready to be “compliant” and prepare for a career where nearly everything they teach will be directed by someone else. However, I hope many of them will learn that no matter what comes in the door…classroom teachers are the single most influential and critical element to a student’s educational success. Here is a great article by a fabulous educator out of Boulder. Rachel Kessler is the director of PassageWorks and promotes social emotional education and so much more in education. The article sums up the critical role of the classroom teacher way beyond the academics.
    http://www.passageworks.org/Resources/Teaching%20Presence%20Extended.pdf

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