Dependence on Others
Sep. 4th, 2006 09:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dedalus_1947So, the question is, do I really want to write about the events of this day? Looking at my Daily Project Planner I see that it is filled with drawings of screaming faces and exclamation marks. I’m tempted to pass on this entry. I’ve already mentioned this day and its events in my journal, why repeat it in my blog? Is there a lesson to be learned from today’s events?
One problem after another was thrust on me during the first two hours of my arrival at school today. I was ambushed at the door of my office by my two Literacy Coaches who were in a panic about the possible misuse and mis-teaching of an elective course called “Great Books”. A team of movers from Maintenance and Operations asked me where they could find the tables and chairs they were supposed to move into 3 new classrooms. The Plant Manager could not deal with an angry teacher who had received no assistance in getting her room ready for school on Wednesday. There were not enough tables and chairs to fill three classrooms that were being readied for use. The Central District offices were insisting on a new attendance procedure for the first day of school that neither of my assistant principals could understand. Problems, problems, problems, all threatened to crush me with their speed and weight. But that did not happen. Although I did suffer a headache by the end of the day, there were no lasting wounds from the day’s tribulations.
I’ve taken the initiative with my District superiors by insisting on the “interim” assignment of my Bilingual Coordinator, Tobar, to the vacant position of assistant principal at my school. It is an action motivated by my desire to control the fates that drive my school. However, I usually let these situations run their own course, and permit others to select administrative personnel. On this occasion I did not. Is it hubris or necessity? I hope that practical necessity is directing my actions. I truly believe that Tobar can handle the administrative duties and responsibilities that are required for this position, and I don’t trust others to use the same criteria in their selection.
Looking back at this day, I am amazed by how much I depend on the skills and abilities of other people. I am literally helpless without their assistance. A humbling lesson; perhaps this is the point of today.
One problem after another was thrust on me during the first two hours of my arrival at school today. I was ambushed at the door of my office by my two Literacy Coaches who were in a panic about the possible misuse and mis-teaching of an elective course called “Great Books”. A team of movers from Maintenance and Operations asked me where they could find the tables and chairs they were supposed to move into 3 new classrooms. The Plant Manager could not deal with an angry teacher who had received no assistance in getting her room ready for school on Wednesday. There were not enough tables and chairs to fill three classrooms that were being readied for use. The Central District offices were insisting on a new attendance procedure for the first day of school that neither of my assistant principals could understand. Problems, problems, problems, all threatened to crush me with their speed and weight. But that did not happen. Although I did suffer a headache by the end of the day, there were no lasting wounds from the day’s tribulations.
I’ve taken the initiative with my District superiors by insisting on the “interim” assignment of my Bilingual Coordinator, Tobar, to the vacant position of assistant principal at my school. It is an action motivated by my desire to control the fates that drive my school. However, I usually let these situations run their own course, and permit others to select administrative personnel. On this occasion I did not. Is it hubris or necessity? I hope that practical necessity is directing my actions. I truly believe that Tobar can handle the administrative duties and responsibilities that are required for this position, and I don’t trust others to use the same criteria in their selection.
Looking back at this day, I am amazed by how much I depend on the skills and abilities of other people. I am literally helpless without their assistance. A humbling lesson; perhaps this is the point of today.
