This week I read an article comparing how we chose fruit to purchase in a supermarket to how we should be leading schools in turbulent times. A few of the analogies were a bit of a stretch, but it certainly did get me thinking. How do you know which pieces to fruit to choose when you make a purchase? Do you squeeze it? Do you inspect it for bruises? Maybe you thump it and listen to the sound. Maybe you trust your nose to guide you. No matter what method(s) you use, you have to admit that it can still be a risk. Even the prettiest apple can have a rotten spot or taste tart instead of sweet. Choosing has a risk.
That's also how Mrs. Garcia and I felt as we chose the teachers that would lead this week's professional development sessions. We knew what they were doing in their classrooms. That means that they passed the sight and smell test. What we didn't know, was if they could lead colleagues to talk about what problems they were having. That's not easy for everyone and it takes something inside of you that's different from teaching children. Doing it for the first time means there is a risk.
I sat through every session yesterday because I wanted to see how well it worked. I cannot tell you all how proud I was to watch teachers lead and participate yesterday. You were outside of your departments and that means that you were out of some of the traditional comfort zones that you work in daily. Many of you put your successes and challenges out in the open for everyone to see and hear. You quickly jumped in to help others with an idea. And you were not led by professional development gurus or talking heads for programs that are not living in your shoes right now. You all did a great job and I am especially thankful for those of you that took the courage to lead yesterday. I think we chose the right ones and I'm looking forward to making more choices to put more of you in charge this year.
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