Teacher Leadership

A priest offered a nun a ride. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to revel her bare leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg once again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized, "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak."

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

The moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, opportunities for advancement will pass right by you.


Today is the last day for Dawn Herring at Greene Central High School and I want to take the opportunity to celebrate everything that she has done for our school and the students within it. Dawn has an opportunity for advancement, and unlike the priest in the story, she is taking her shot. She will be moving on to Wayne County Schools to serve as the Assistant EC Director and while I hate to lose her expertise as a teacher and coach, I am happy for her.

Teacher leadership is sometimes a double-edged sword. Teachers that put themselves out there to do more to impact the school and grow professionally, often do decide to take opportunities to work and lead in other capacities. As a principal, you love what they do and you hate to see them move on, but at the same time it is amazing to watch a teacher grow. Make no mistake about it, I want teachers that want to grow. No matter what you are passionate about, grow in that area and don't be afraid to excel. Teacher leadership does more than improving classrooms or programs. It also inspires students and other teachers to do more themselves. Today I want to congratulate Ms. Herring and all other teacher leaders that are not afraid to step
up and take a shot at what matters to them. No matter if your leadership keeps you in the classroom or takes you out, your service is infectious.