[cardnialteach]

I had posted that I was feeling I was not in the right position to do enough for the students in my schools. I sent my superintendent an email requesting a meeting to discuss my current position. That same morning I sent my email the principals from all buildings go and meet with the super. Both my elementary and middle school principals came over early and my S mentioned he had a meeting later in the day with me about my job. He expressed they were all a little worried about what was going on.

I explained I didn't feel I was doing enough in my current position. Our new Commissioner of Education is really stressing the teaching of "soft skills" and SECD with our students. I can't do this alone and I can't be the only one to do this. I also would love to work with more students individually or with groups but get a lot of resistance from teachers until the situation is way out of control. I think our Middle School situation with students could have been better if I would have had more presents in the Middle School and have the ability to build relationships with our students instead of coming in trying to "clean up" situations. I know there is going to be an opening in our district next fall and simply posed that "if I was in the classroom, I would feel I am doing all I can for at least a small group." I also told him I needed the more advance training with the WhyTry program in order to use it more effectively when I do get to see my students. I love this program. I am not that good at using it yet but I am trying and am looking forward to learning more. I told him most of the time I am dealing with testing and that is not what I my job to be, I am here for students not to adminster or supervise testing.

Outcome of this conversation: He asked me to please stay in my current position for at least 2 more years. Things are changing with assessments and social skills and it is believed the state will give us a curriculum to teach in our schools addressing SECD and "soft skills". Teachers will be required to teach from this curriculum once a week. This would allow for follow up and support for what I am doing anyway. He agreed to me getting more training right away and not wait. The closest site is over 6 1/2 drive, it wasn't even guarenteed to happen. The other one was in Tennessee and I live in Kansas. He told me not to let that stop me and to look into flights or whatever I need to do. He told me he believes in me and knew that when he asked me 7 years ago to take this position he was asking the right person. I really trust and like my superintendent. I can go in and tell him exactly what I think or feel and he will do the same to me, we are pretty blunt and straightforward and honest with each other.

I am signed up for Level 2 training to happen in January and will continue to do what I can in the classrooms and with the few students I do work with. I also told him I will give it 2 years and he said he would talk to principals about easing my testing responsibilities. I felt better once I left the meeting. We are now on Christmas Break. I am hoping to get re-engerized so I can make sure I am giving my all to my students because that is what they deserve. We will see how the second semester goes.

Thank you for listening and offering suggestions and support.