How Did You Decide to Change Jobs?

I envisioned myself as a child, standing alone on a street corner, asking for handouts. Living on the streets. I felt there were few in my corner, just read my stories. That should be obvious. I dare say Norma was likely the first that gave me a sense that I might have a chance of advancing beyond homelessness.

Growing up on Caton Ave, in Elmira, New York, monthly a man pushing a wagon would pass by our house.

“Who’s that?” I inquired.

Grandma replied, “A hobo… he has no job.”

Thinking back, I realize he had a job, surviving one more day. No one talked to him or offered to push his load. We just watched as he pushed his cart filled with earthly possession.

Tanned by the sun, bent over, dressed in overalls and a flannel shirt, transporting what he had collected, his worldly possessions, making eye contact with no one. Coming from or headed toward the train yard? I now wonder what was his story?

I realize I have digressed. Anyway. Several weeks ago, walking into Sprouts, I noted a young man with his dog sitting, seeking a handout. It was early this morning. It was chilly. Did my shopping and on my way out I handed him five dollars. He politely thanked me, and I walked on, heading home. For days I wondered what was his story?

Since I have written stories, that question often taps me on the shoulder. The next week, entering Sprouts, he was not there, nor have I seen him since.

Some say don’t give them money, it only encourages them to beg, and you never know how they will spend the money. The thought occasionally pops into my head. That could have been me.

I was the star, the luminary. Every school has at least one. That highly qualified staff member often called upon by colleagues, non-instructional staff, even administrators for input, support, willing to go the extra mile, sharpened by years of service, accomplished - the Master Teacher.

Starting as a Computer Lab Tech, then a full-time employee, working and earning two degrees (Bachelor and then a Masters of Science degree) simultaneously, eventually becoming a classroom teacher, and then lead teacher by reputation.

Every committee on site and many at the district level, I chaired. I mentored the new teachers. When the Tucson Unified School District #1 Governing Board member or members wanted to visit our site, my room was certain to be selected. For multiple years, I facilitated our school’s Site Council, which helped set goals for the school. When Dr. Paz, our new Superintendent wanted to visit sites his first day on the job the first day of the school year with the press in tow, my room selected. He stopped by with his entourage. Visiting with my students and photographed for the newspaper, filmed for the nightly news.

Stop the press! My bad. I recall another. Don Collier, the principal at Maxwell Middle School. I need to add him to my stories listed on my ‘Pipeline’ page. I can call it the Silent Mentor. And then…

Janice Dungan was my mentor, my example of success, a thoughtful person who when she spoke everyone listened, end of conversation. She retired and later passed away after fighting her greatest battle: cancer. I wanted to be that teacher, that kind of leader.

Finally, I chaired the committee to select our next principal. He had served as VP and most assumed he would be our next principal. Teachers liked him, parents liked him, the district liked him, and by all appearance had no oblivious flaws.

Until he did.

Retired military. Now that is not necessarily bad, but the issue that eventually presented itself was an “order is an order” to be followed, end of discussion. A “control freak.” He was not one to take advice or seek input.

Now, as I write, I need to filter out events that seek to be exposed, to be recorded in this story, but stop. I need to stay focused on the question at hand. How did I decide when to change jobs?

In brief, I have two degrees, several certifications (including Principal Certification), years of experiences, mentored by one of the best, served in various academic capacities, hundreds of hours of professional development in my portfolio, presenter at National Math Conferences, published in journals, a multiple page vita in my back pocket, I was now ready to advance professionally.

Next logical step, Curriculum/Instructional Coach.

I assumed I would be our first Curriculum/Instructional Coach, and those aware I had applied agreed were rooting for me. I submitted my name for an interview.

They did not interview me. Why you ask? Because the administrator made an administrative decision, he had the right to select, to promote, to reassign full-time employees (FTEs) he wanted to fill open positions with no need to interview any candidates. For now, this was not a District Supervised Position. He had a flaw.

Was I not qualified? Being qualified, you see, had nothing to do with this move, this advancement.

It was time to move on. Ultimately, I wanted to be a principal, and this was a step in that direction.

He did not consider me for the position. Another one was. A teacher I had mentored her first year, last year, an ELL teacher, with no content experience, a teacher struggling with classroom management challenges requiring ongoing support, a STOP! Enough.

And I was furious.

I changed the application. Met with the principal closer to home and gave notice. Within 48-hours hired at Peter Howell Elementary for the upcoming year. Packed my property and prepared my departure.

There are so many tucked away stories within this account. How did I decide when to change jobs? To advance along my career path.