It’s over. It’s done. I will never be a first-year principal again.
<<insert wiggle dance>>
That spring semester is no joke. As evidenced by my lack (no, really, LACK) of blog posts would suggest, May was fast and furious. I took a ton of notes, which means hopefully I will have time to process and write this summer so that next May I will be able to navigate the quick turns with the ease of a veteran administrator.
This post, however, I want to focus on a need I have. The need for a mentor. A legit, talk me off the cliff, an in real life, time zones be darned…mentor.
Consider this my social media want ad:
Now hiring: (but not actually able to be paying) a mentor. A veteran administrator who has seen the pendulum of education swing, and is not easily swayed by the standardized testing system. Preferably someone who has experience with a high socioeconomic clientele… Must be willing to entertain conversations concerning team dynamics and best practices. Should be apt in an ability to balance all the in’s and out’s, of all of the things, and help me prioritize. While I am able to meet deadlines, I do struggle with completion panic, wondering if all things were done to the level expected. Or if it could have been better…or in a different, more efficient manner. While not blinded by this role this year,
The best part about this want ad is that I am connected. I am VERY connected. To my detriment connected. Why would I need a mentor? I can vox with literally some of the best administrators in the nation, some of the most prolific speakers, key notes, and authors are my PLN turned friends. How could I not have a mentor?
I’m not real sure. I just know there were several moments this year where I was alone. Utterly alone. Making my mistakes. On that island that we all speak about. Why didn’t I reach out? Why wasn’t there a way to connect that would fit inside my #thefirstyear bubble?
And that is why I need a mentor…to help me figure out what I am doing in that bubble that didn’t allow the connections I’ve spent years investing in weren’t able to help me when I needed it. This year ended on a high. Knowing that I want to be even better than I was, however, I’ve decided to place this want ad. Please let me know if you’re interested in applying, 🙂
I will guarantee some high-quality conversations, random mail goodies, and occasional nervous breakdowns.
summer reflectN ready,
Amber
You always deliver! Love this post. If you find a mentor, will you be mine? ????