Being an African American, college educated male comes with a lot of pros and cons (don't be alarmed, this is going to end on a good note). Most of my life has been about overcoming stereotypes. The funny part about doing so is overcoming the generalizations. Many of you can identify. When I was a server, I was frequently complimented on my ability to "speak well" then also assumed to be going to college on an athletic scholarship. Nothing against Black athletes, they exist but that's not all we can do. When I told people I went to college in Nashville, the automatic assumption was that I attended Tennessee State University. Anyone who knows me, knows I have a love for HBCUs even though I didn't have the privilege of attending. HOWEVER, TSU is not the only institution in Nashville. Not even close. Why assume, instead of ask. As a teacher, I have had several parents walk in the room and not acknowledge me even though I dressed daily in shirt, tie, and slacks. Moral of the story, lots of people make assumptions and generalizations about people based off appearance and brief interactions. Usually, this doesn't go in my favor. I usually spend many first conversations unearthing and correcting misinterpretations.
Well, today was different. I walked into orientation today in a room with about 30 people. Our jobs were all school based so we were either teachers, teacher assistants, managers, or assistant principals. There were only 4 African Americans in my session and this is education so I was naturally surrounded by white women. This doesn't really bother me much but it does make me conscious and cautious. This one white lady sits beside me and has small banter during the off periods of the meeting. She then turns and asks, "you are an assistant principal aren't you?" I was elated. It may not mean much but I was glad to be seen for who I actually was this time. It was just nice for a stranger to finally get it right.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
From Teacher to Administrator
In February, I found out that I was one step closer to my ultimate career goal. I got accepted to becoming an elementary school assistant principal in the Bronx. I was elated. Then I began to think (typical type A behavior). I'll explain the back story, then circle back to the thoughts.
How Did this Happen?
Leaving the Bronx was a crucial decision for me to make. Professionally, there were some significant challenges and I was starting to lose faith in my ability to grow and be developed. So I explored options but vowed that lateral movement was not ideal. So I went to Jersey and was promised that my career goals would be factored into my development. It actually was. I was repeatedly asked about my trajectory in education and set goals directly connected to skills I would need. However, I was skeptical. I applied to Building Excellent Schools to explore founding a school of my own. My friends encouraged me to apply. I surprised myself at how well I did. I knew that I wanted to be a school leader and for a minute I thought it was going to happen. I made it to the final round and was denied. I took it as a sign that God meant for me to be in Jersey but it gave me a lot of satisfaction that I was able to handle that process and make it so far.
Time progresses and I find my way in Jersey. Literally the happiest I have been in my career. I was content. For the first time, I wasn't shopping my resume out just because. Then, I received a message on LinkedIn (admittedly I have never been into the site but randomly check it). The message invited me to apply for the position I have now. Awhile ago, I applied to this same position and was completely ignored. So if you know me, you know I was side eying the hell out this email. My response back was not ideal but real. I informed the lady that I had applied to the position before and was completely ignored. She asked me to apply and send her a message when it was complete. I interviewed for three hours. I felt that I was slaying until the final interview. When I tell you that recruiter came for my entire life! I kept composure and fought through but I didn't leave feeling as confident as I usually do. About a week later, I got the position!
Well What Now?
I've spent a lot of time being happy about this switch. However, the job starts tomorrow. Even responding that I'm an assistant principal instead of a teacher is weird. I'm nervous. I'm used to being good at what I do and being confident in that fact. The unknown scares me and leading people while experiencing these feelings is slightly offsetting. I know its beginning jitters. I have three weeks of intensive training before teacher in service begins. I'll be fine. I'll let you know how it goes.
How Did this Happen?
Leaving the Bronx was a crucial decision for me to make. Professionally, there were some significant challenges and I was starting to lose faith in my ability to grow and be developed. So I explored options but vowed that lateral movement was not ideal. So I went to Jersey and was promised that my career goals would be factored into my development. It actually was. I was repeatedly asked about my trajectory in education and set goals directly connected to skills I would need. However, I was skeptical. I applied to Building Excellent Schools to explore founding a school of my own. My friends encouraged me to apply. I surprised myself at how well I did. I knew that I wanted to be a school leader and for a minute I thought it was going to happen. I made it to the final round and was denied. I took it as a sign that God meant for me to be in Jersey but it gave me a lot of satisfaction that I was able to handle that process and make it so far.
Time progresses and I find my way in Jersey. Literally the happiest I have been in my career. I was content. For the first time, I wasn't shopping my resume out just because. Then, I received a message on LinkedIn (admittedly I have never been into the site but randomly check it). The message invited me to apply for the position I have now. Awhile ago, I applied to this same position and was completely ignored. So if you know me, you know I was side eying the hell out this email. My response back was not ideal but real. I informed the lady that I had applied to the position before and was completely ignored. She asked me to apply and send her a message when it was complete. I interviewed for three hours. I felt that I was slaying until the final interview. When I tell you that recruiter came for my entire life! I kept composure and fought through but I didn't leave feeling as confident as I usually do. About a week later, I got the position!
Well What Now?
I've spent a lot of time being happy about this switch. However, the job starts tomorrow. Even responding that I'm an assistant principal instead of a teacher is weird. I'm nervous. I'm used to being good at what I do and being confident in that fact. The unknown scares me and leading people while experiencing these feelings is slightly offsetting. I know its beginning jitters. I have three weeks of intensive training before teacher in service begins. I'll be fine. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm back!!!
For some time, I have been pushed to write. I used to pour a lot of my thoughts and experiences here. I reread many of my older posts and realized how therapeutic was for me. I was a wet behind the ears educator but I enjoy seeing the passion I had for the field. So, it's time to bring it back. This time no excuses. Once a week I will post about my career and experiences within it. Welcome to my crazy.
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