What a privilege to have been both a classroom teacher and principal (most recently at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy – an amazing school). To this day I think of students, families, and talented, dedicated colleagues and start to grin. Don’t get me wrong, teaching and/or being an effective administrator is hard work.
Good educators are never truly off (even in the summer trust me). They are thinking about students, how else, what else – with the primary goal of reaching them and making a difference. Teaching well, teaching with heart, teaching to lead each student to their full potential and their dreams – that is the passion. Is there anything more important than our kids and for them to be well educated?
That’s how the Principal’s Notebook took root, I wanted to find a way to put my years of experience in education to use. Navigating each school year as a parent can be full of both joy and worries, and can also be exhausting. Having three of my own – I get it, and I am still living it (our youngest is in college right now).
My intent with this blog is to help families unpack education and all the pieces that make up the learning process. My point of view is constructed from being a principal, a teacher, and a mom. There is no education map or easy GPS system, but as you navigate school, I hope this blog can assist you along your route.
It’s funny, as far back as I can remember, as the youngest of four, I was determined to teach. My path has taken me on so many interesting twists and turns, all helping to build my teaching and principal practice. Philadelphia is home for me – a home that I share with my family whom I adore and two crazy labs! While I work on my blog, my canine editors are right under foot with a tail wag for support.
Let’s take this education journey together. Let’s make it fun, and joyful (and when not joyful – informed). Thank you for joining me on this quest.
Laine