Jeff's Blog

After twenty-six years in public education, I will be retiring at then end of June. Last week marked the end of my time with students and teachers at the junior high school where I have served as principal for the past fourteen years. My entire educational career has been spent with seventh and eighth grade students and they have taught me a lot.

1. Like most of us, kids desperately want to be heard and know they matter. Sometimes school is the only place that happens. My students have taught me to listen first — with patience and empathy. Adults often feel we need to have the first and last word. That is not accurate. Sometimes it’s best to be quiet.
2. Be unoffendable. We live in a world where everyone seems to be upset about everything. While junior high students excel at pushing buttons, they are hilarious, even when they’re not trying. I struggle to think of a day when a student hasn’t made me laugh. That includes the days where I’ve been yelled at, ignored and cursed out. Take it all in stride.
3. Predictability in a job might be comfortable, but it’s also a path to boredom. The only thing predictable about junior high school is you can never know exactly what to expect. I’ve found a live snake in a backpack, intercepted federal marshals on campus (after they set-off a flash-bang grenade), and helped a student steal another kid’s scooter. I haven’t had many boring days at work.
4. What worked for me doesn’t necessarily work for them. What worked last year, last week, or yesterday doesn’t necessarily work this year, this week, or today. If there was ever a place where change is a necessity, it’s school. Adapt or lose them. That is the future of education.
5. Age does not equal life experience. I’ve had students who have experienced more pain, sorrow, and trauma in thirteen years than some of us will experience in a lifetime. Children who parent siblings, serve as breadwinners, and care for ailing family. Traumatized, brave, emotional, angry, empathetic — grown up when they should be kids. Personally, I have no reference for this. Just admiration.

I’m not exactly sure what is next, but I will always be an advocate for kids and for public education. Thank you to my students, staff and community for allowing me the privilege of working with you. Grateful.