Moving On, Moving Out

It was a good 8 year run in first grade, but when a 5th grade position opened up in my building last week, I jumped on it. I like the little kids, and teaching beginning reading is one of the great joys I've had in life, but it was time for a change, and I think this'll be a happy thing.

The trouble with that profound a grade shift is that you can't really take it with you--all the worksheets, all the story books, all the bits 'n' pieces that make the primary grades fun but don't quite work in the upper elementary.

A new adventure. I'm looking forward to it.

Read more here, if any.

Not Change Anyone Will Believe In

Did you hear the one about the principal who disbanded the PTA via e-mail?

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 8:03 AM
Dear Steve,
As the administrator of Tilden, I am selecting NOT to have
a PTA this year. I have established another group that will be
working towards fundraising and community engagement.

Regards,

Rachelle Sallee
Principal
Tilden Elementary School
Oakland Unified School District
(510) 879-1560

In the wannabe-admin classes I've taken, this would go down as absolutely terrible communication from the principal to the parents. It sounds like the PTA was doing good things, too, which makes this a change that looks ridiculous from the outset. Even if the move is well-intentioned, there's already a large strike on the score card.

(h/t to Alex Russo)

Read more here, if any.