A Vision Come True!

Finally, after 3 years of dreaming that the faculty would have a meeting where honest to goodness learning would take place, it happened! This past Thursday, we spent time learning about the stages of effective reading instruction, what our strengths were and what we needed to do better. As I looked around during the meeting, I heard an exchange of ideas, an affirmation that they were so glad they were getting the opportunity to talk about ideas, and only 1 person was falling asleep! On top of that, I saw no eye rolling (maybe it was because the lights were out for the media presentation)! Could it be that we were making progress as a professional learning group?

The true test was the grade level meeting, which took place immediately after the faculty meeting. The groups were to go back and review the reading series. They were to analyze our pacing guide so that we can shape it up for next year.

Grade level meetings = the feeling you get when you know you are going to barf. Grade level meetings = the feeling you got when your mother said, "Wait until your father gets home...." Grade level meetings = not knowing if you are going to make it to the restroom when you have a case of the green apple nasties. This is how I feel immediately before and after grade level meetings....I usually have a number system ready for the people that want to talk to me after a grade level meeting.

As I prepared the red numbering system, and made sure the waiting room was complete with the latest edition of Teacher magazine, I began to notice that it was late. The stampede should have already made its way up to my office already. As it was, my kleenex box remained full and I was able to go home before 5 pm. I was able to cancel my after hours counseling session.

As I was driving home, I was wondering what happened.........did everyone have the green apple nasties? Were they waiting to bombard me on Friday? Or, did they bypass me altogether and stampede central office? Maybe there was a massacre and no one made it out the meeting room.....

I cautiously went home, checked my cell phone and email for messages and went to bed at a decent time. On Friday morning, I doubled my high blood pressure medicine, snuck into my office, and was able to get my first cup of coffee before my first vistor. As she began to speak, I closed my eyes, and got ready...............here it comes..........

"Just wanted to let you know that yesterday's meeting was fantastic. I learned a lot and loved that you gave us so much time to talk. We were able to make some great decisions about the pacing guide and I really think we are on the right track."

I looked around for the camera - not one to be found. Either this was someone's idea of a great joke or it finally happened! We had a meeting without any fights, eye rolling, tears, or hospital visits.

I do not know if it will happen again, but I wanted to let all of you principals out there to know: it can happen! Keep the faith and stay strong! If it can happen to me, it can happen to you!