I took an administration job for next year, so I'm trying to relish these last four days with my students. They are a wonderful class to end the teaching portion of my career on. They are by far the most hard working and enjoyable class I've ever taught and there is not a single student that I wouldn't be happy to have again. While I'm excited to start the next stage of my career, I'm sad that this one is almost over.
Good luck with the new position! I am finishing my admin degree and will be looking to make the same move in a few years. This year I'm moving into an interventionist position and I'm starting to realize how much I'm going to miss having my own classroom and kids. I've had two back to back great groups, like you, I can end that part if my career on a high note. Just make sure to be visible to the kids and get into the classrooms and the transition won't be as hard!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and glad you're going out of the classroom on such a good note. Please keep posting about your adventures in administration. I have my eye on working toward that direction and want to know about the transition.
Congrats! I too, am thinking about becoming an administrator and would love to hear about your adventures!
Congrats! Just remember that you'll never make 100% of your staff happy! Someone is always bound to be displeased with decisions you make. I always remind myself that I'm doing what's best for kids--keeping that in mind helps me sleep well at night!
Thanks everyone! I'm excited to take this step, but it is like the end of an era. I was one of those kids that wanted to be a teacher when they grew up. I can't think of a single kid that wants to be a principal when they grow up, lol. I get to meet the staff next week, so that is very exciting!
I am just about finished with my first year as Head of School after teaching for 24 years. It's been an incredibly demanding transition. One piece of advice I can give you is to develop a thick skin. It will be few and far between that parents will come in to your office to let you know that they appreciate what a teacher is doing. It was much easier being in the classroom. I'm so tired right now the only perk I can think of for being an administrator is that you can get up and go to the bathroom when you want.
Thank you for all of your well wishes and advice! Luckily for me this position only involves curriculum and training/evaluating teachers. I'm sure I will have to help with discipline and parents occasionally, but that will not be my main focus. I get to work for a wonderful principal and I'm looking forward to learning from her.
Just remember, no matter your job title, you are still a teacher! I know you won't, but it seems like many administrators forget that it is about the kids. Good luck!
