I like this job.

Typically I find a way to justify most things I do and find ways to like them. I don't remember having a job I didn't like. (Even as a magazine subscription telemarketer...) But--I really like this job. I think I may have written something similar in an earlier post, but I'm realizing how much my own skill set matches the skill set needed to enjoy (and, hopefully find success) as a school leader. Here's a top 5 list of reasons I like this job.

5) Problem solving. I've always enjoyed finding ways to weigh the factors and create unique solutions. I think this comes from my days of building go-karts, forts and games using random items like step stools and roller skates. Mom, I may have stepped on some nails, injured my brothers, and stolen household items--but it's all paying off now.

4) Talking to kids. I LOVE how often I get to have one on one conversations with kids. As a teacher, that happens often in a teaching setting, but it can be hard to have time to talk to the kids you want to talk to most about how they're doing--i.e, the ones who are having the most trouble. Now, they come to me and even wait for me in my office!

3) Making things happen that I always wished for as a teacher. I'm not doing it all, but I'm working to help create: Schedules that make sense, quick answers to simple questions, lots of thank yous, methods for feedback, follow ups with teachers about specific kids, quick response to tough situations in classrooms, welcoming proposals from teachers, parents and kids and actually looking at them

2) Setting my own schedule. I like setting up my meetings and being able to move around the building to see what's going on. Teaching is great, but the schedule is very set for you. I like change and choice--I do something different every day.

1) Having the big picture, and seeing behind the scenes. It was always hard as a teacher to try and think about ways to solve problems when the big picture wasn't always available. Now I can see it. It's fabulous. Perhaps it's juvenile, but when the fire truck pulls up. I always know why it's there. And today--I even watched as the fire chief pulled the fire alarm to begin the drill. That was a first. The fire drill went quite well, by the way.