I would like to think many of us have our own story,
unique and fulfilling, ending how we had always hoped and dreamed.
Realize, I am not implying my story has ended, but at this point in
my story I think I have a good message to share; when things don't go your
way, use that as a fuel to grow and improve.
As a teacher I always had a high success rate when it came
to interviews. Throughout the 12 years, I applied for four different
positions and every time I interviewed, I was offered the job. I do not
think this was because I had any special powers, it was because I was confident
in my skills, knew students were the essential component to my success, and
knew I continually had to work to improve. I tried every day to give 110%
to my students and then take what was left home to be the best husband and
father; if that is even possible. I tried to do that every day, every
period all year long. I was not your 7:30-3:30 teacher, I did not look for ways
to complain about what I had to do, I looked for ways to improve my practice
and/or improve student learning all the time. I had always hoped I was
going to have that "aha moment," and suddenly I would have had the
secret to make every student successful. I never did find it, but that
does not mean my search has ended.
When I decided I wanted to pursue an administrative position my story took a different turn with a few road blocks that I did not anticipate. I had taught five years and during that
time, I felt I needed to refuel my love for learning so I began a program to
obtain my administrative degree. This was a great time in my life as it
renewed my passion to learn and the knowledge I was gaining was also rewarding
to my students as I often passed on any pertinent information. Nine years
into teaching and two years after my program I began my quest.
Attempt one: failure. I knew going in this would be a
long shot, but you have to think you always have a chance. I was told the
direction of the district was to go outside but I was welcome to be on the
selection committee. A tough answer to some, but I took it as an
opportunity to grow. I could now see what a principal interview may look
like; one step back, but one step forward!
Attempt two: failure. This one was frustrating as
well, but this time I at least went through the application process. It
was a daunting task filling out all the questions, taking an online assessment,
adjusting my résumé from that of a teacher to an administrator. This
didn't seem worth it at the time as I was not selected for an interview, but
the next one would be easier as I had completed one before. Often, the
second attempt at something is better than the first.
Attempt three: failure. This was a roller coaster but
probably where learned the most. I nailed the online stuff this time and
was now moving on to the phone interview. Wow, did that absolutely kick
my butt! I knew I bombed this portion, but I did well enough to get a
site interview. Now the nerves were flowing, I couldn't sleep, it was
hard to teach, I was one step away from my goal. Interview went ok,
nothing great, but I now not only knew the questions, I had my own responses.
The question is, were my responses good enough? After a few weeks
of sleepless and anxiety filled nights I was not offered this position. I
was thinking about just throwing in the towel, I liked teaching anyway. I
took the next few weeks, gathered my thoughts and realized quitting was not in
me, not a part of my core values. Now the true quest began, how do I get
better? How do I get the yes I so deeply wanted? I began a quest of
reading, watching, learning, serving, etc., anything I could do to get
involved. No longer was I going to sit back and wait to be noticed, they
were going to have to tell me no.
Attempt four and five: failure. At this point the
frustration levels were getting very high; I was on the verge of accepting
defeat. The difference in these attempts is that I went outside of my
current district. I learned a great deal from these as well. I was
able to evaluate where I had made mistakes in the past and adjust. I was
exposed to different scenarios and forced to answer things in different ways.
I was now not waiting for a response, I was promoting myself; a huge
piece I feel I was lacking. I was invited for an interview for one and
the experience was amazing, my confidence was soaring. I gained
experiences in an extensive interview process with different committees, a
writing component, and multitudes of question and answer sessions.
Although I was not offered any of these positions I gained so much from
the experience that success was just around the corner.
Attempt six: SUCCESS! I did it!!! What a great
feeling, all the work, time, and effort was noticed and rewarded. I owe
most, if not all of my growth as a leader, to my seven year mentor, colleague
and friend, Jimmy Casas (@casas_jimmy). Through the years he was so
patient and helpful, yet stern and straight forward when the scenario called
for it. There were times when I thought he had the wrong perception of me but
now, as I reflect he was right on with his views of my readiness. I took
all, he and those around me advised, and put them into practice. I was
introduced to Twitter and developed a PLN to which I owe some gratitude as
well. Now, another journey has begun and I cannot wait to see where it
takes me as this is just a rung of the ladder I am still climbing.
If you
take anything from this, do not take failure as a reason to quit. Analyze
your failures, learn from them, and use those failures to make you stronger.
Utilize those around you and if you are not connect do so immediately!
There is an immense amount of very talented people out there eagerly and
generously wanting to help. Never lose sight of your goals and never
doubt your ability to reach them.
