Previously, Raby had been what some teachers had called a "teacher led school". I didn't understand how ridiculous this was until I saw the mess that was left behind. Also what this left, was teachers who did not understand policy and logistics wanting to make crucial decisions for the school. They wanted to do this, mind you, while the school was still a Tier 3 school (the lowest tier in CPS, which is calculated based on achievement, graduation rates, drop out...etc). Basic things like unit plans and utilization of the teaching for learning framework were nowhere to be seen. They did throw a fabulous Prom the year before from what I understood.
I met with the business manager who was a nice enough woman, but clearly not a problem solver or solution seeker if you will. I helped her work through some bills that were out of control from prom and other issues. Then it was onto cleaning up the school. The lockers had yet to be emptied, floors cleaned, walls painted or covered... So with a mini budget, we ordered lunch for the football team and got their assistance with some of the clean up. The Dean of Students, who is also the football coach was super helpful. His relationship with the students was pretty amazing. I was grateful for his assistance and kindness during such a crazy time. We got posters up, some walls painted, floors cleaned, offices uncluttered and scheduling help for the schedulers!
So finally, with about 2 weeks left until the school, a Principal was chosen - Femi Worrill-Spearman. Ironically, I had worked with her at a previous school where she had been a reading specialist, teacher and POD director. She was coming to us from Manley, where she had been an AP. Oh, and I should add, the 2 AP's for Raby had already been picked for her since time was slipping away. So she walked into a school with no school plans, the inability to choose her leadership team or even her Principal's assistant (which I learned was an extremely important position in the school) and 2 weeks to go. She got right to work, even bringing in her MOM to help get the school ready. Crap, her kids were there helping! But she got registration together in a minute and we were well positioned to start school August 13th!
School started and of course we had the usually issues you have with teenagers, cell phones out, inappropriate clothing, language of all kinds. I watched Femi closely as she very carefully observed for the first few weeks. No wide sweeping rules were put in place, teachers were hollering, students were complaining but she held strong. PD (professional development began and it focused 100% on instruction. Can you imagine? How absurd! Lol. Anyway, the AP - Jessica Johnson was an exceptional instructional leader and was a great compliment to Principal Spearman as we would soon learn.
Being a track E school (which thank God is no more...all of CPS is on the same track now) We had a fall break coming so Principal Spearman could take an assessment of what really needed to be done. Of course, there was the strike. I was told to report to Clemente for a "children's first site". Not going to really discuss the strike. It carries a lot of passion with many people on both sides and until I am a teacher, I will reserve my thoughts and opinions. I had plenty of work to do during the strike, we were amending the budget, since Principal Spearman hadn't had an opportunity to create her own budget, there was lots to change.
When the kids came back from Fall break, our uniform policy rolled out. Man, what a nice change! Young ladies and men looking respectable, which really does make for a better learning environment. Trust me. Yes, some of the boys thought they still needed to show their drawers to the rest of the school (I could write a whole damn blog on that ridiculously self deprecating fashion statement). Also, a cell phone policy went into effect- all phones should be either left in lockers or at home. If they make an appearance during class, they go to the principal and the parent/guardian can pick it up. Also, plans were written! Attendance plan, instructional plan, emergency plan, discipline plan, security plan, staff handbook, student handbook... all the while, completion of REACH evaluations had to be done! Here's a piece of advice folks, if you can't or don't like to multi-task, don't be a Principal!
I was in awe of what had been done by Winter break! And the school still had an intersession academy for one week of the break. I also was intrigued by the ongoing disrespect between the teachers and ESP's. Neither thought the other "had it that bad or worked that hard" so useless time was spent trash talking about the other group. One teacher actually said during a PD meeting, "I mean, do we really need 3 clerks to push papers around and answer a phone that never rings". For someone who was a proponent of a teacher-led school he didn't have a clue. Likewise, the clerks didn't quite understand what it was like to be held captive in a classroom with 20-30 unruly students, no time to even go to bathroom, let alone take lunch (because really, what teacher really "takes a lunch" when there are student that need you during that time?) Oh, and of course, the teachers who came from the "teacher-led" regime slowly weeded themselves out, but some stayed and bitched incessantly about Admin. Then there was a group of teachers that just freaking got it done! Maddy Wang, (TFA), Trang Le (TFA), Kristen Yenior (NBCT), our ENTIRE Low incidence department, Mr Carver, Mr. Peterson (new teacher), Ms. Harrell (career changer)......I am certain I left some off, but man, they just got to it! I was in awe of their passion, ability, resourcefulness. When they spoke at a meeting, they had something to say that was truly valid and meaningful. Most of these teachers, by the end of the school year, if they weren't already, comprised the mid-level leadership of the school. And funny, they had VERY important roles, with huge impact on the school, yet, they didn't feel they need to weigh in on every administrative decision. Why? Well I asked a couple of them before I left. The one comment that stood out in my mind the most was the following, "Why would I want to worry about running the entire school when my role in this huge machine is to focus on student well-being and achievement? If I want to go into administration at some point, I will, but that is not the best use of my role at this time". Boom.
So, we got through the year, so many initiatives and programs that were a success - our technology upgrade to the school (smart boards in 8 classrooms, ipads, laptops, new desktops) , Junior Boost ( our Junior Intervention for ACT and college preparation), College tour to North Carolina (yes I went...what an adventure!), Acheive 3000 intervention, Raby Day of service (an ALL school day of service), peace march, service projects, Mothers day brunch, Saturday school (sponsored by the School but open to the district!), Boys and girls club programs....our little school had a fantastic year. And no, we didn't make it to tier 2 this year, we were VERY close. I am quite certain they will make it next year. Oh, and with all the budget cuts, Raby was able to not cut ANY teacher positions. This determined by many late night conversations with Principal Spearman about the budget. Her mind is always on, and she is always thinking about her kids, teachers, staff and school. That's another reason a "teacher-led" school is unrealistic. A good Principal NEVER gets to stop being on, at least during the school year! Could you really expect that from ALL your teachers? With a union contract? Anyway, The end of the year awards program included EVERY staff member. Unheard of, and extremely considerate when you consider we are adults and in it for the kids. For a Principal to take the time out to recognize in an entire meeting, every staff member is amazing. I never got "recognized" for just doing my damn job working on wall street. You're reward was your paycheck.
My take aways from this year and the next leg of my journey:
- Keep my head down and learn as much as I can, from ALL my colleagues. A 23 year-old new teacher may have something amazing to teach me to be a better teacher.
- Share in public settings when it's really helpful for the entire group. If not, shut the hell up.
- Reach out to admin sparingly. They have north of 100 teachers, staff, network, and central office people asking them for something every day. Understand they can't be everywhere, all the time. Particularly the Principal, they have a school to run.
- Create and hold fast to boundaries with students. I learned the hard way this year. You can care and love without stepping over those lines.
- Set aside a budget I can use for students, school items..etc. The need is endless. My income is not.
- LISTEN to evaluation feedback and PROCESS quietly to myself. Feedback will make me a better educator. Arguing about the feedback and observation will not.
- LOVE KIDS. When you stop this, you need to move on.
I start my new adventure July 1 with AUSL. Stay tuned!
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