Recognition and Redemption

I got my third year observation from the assistant superintendent of my entire school district today...here's some of the things she had to say about me:

"Sometimes gifted students are afraid to take risks in front of others, but Mrs. Burke has created a risk taking environment. She herself often models this self-questioning attitude--and helps students feel comfortable with laughing at what turns out to be a "silly" hypothesis."

"Mrs. Burke is very much involved with her students' work. Down on the floor, she was measuring students' bridges built from spaghetti and Elmer's glue. These "real-life science projects give students a chance to be creative and to do serious thinking simlutaneously."

"Mrs. Burke and her students are tucked into whatever corner a principal can find. She functions quite well in spite of these restrictions."

And the one that made me feel the most pride:

"Mrs. Burke has taken on the role of leader in this program."

That's ME she was talking about, me and my Science Olympics curriculum. She didn't say "Mrs. Burke has so much potential, but could do better." She didn't find the little imperfections in my manner, my clothes, my world view and she darn sure didn't seem unhappy with my "attitude toward my work". I've always known I was creative and innovative and helped challenge kids in a fun way...but think I've lived (and waited) my whole life without hearing someone say I was a leader, that I was the person running the show and in charge, not the person on the side who makes the leader look good. I was actually moved to tears without knowing why until I realized that fact. Someone I respect infinitely basically just acknowledged that what I do is REAL teaching and REAL leadership ability, not just "hey, everyone, it's fun, follow me and PLAY!".

I have at last been taken seriously in my career.

I'm not bragging, but I was so proud and genuinely happy, I had to post it. This is my tenure year, and it's the first time I've ever been worried about getting it. I guess that mostly has to do with the district being so small and my program being so new. I'm constantly battling the need to please everyone with the need to do right by my kids (oh, and the secret need to be RIGHT more often!).