Until we meet again…

there-are-far-better-things-ahead

Dear Principalship,

It’s been quite a ride.

I transitioned into administration in the summer of 2008, not knowing what to expect. But, after 9 years in the classroom, I welcomed with open arms (and a whole boatload of nervous) the new adventures you’d bring.

It’s hard to summarize in a single post the valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned over the past five years. I’ve blogged about many of them. I don’t want this post to be a total rehash of everything I’ve ever written about the life of a principal, so suffice it to say that serving as the principal of Brecknock Elementary School has allowed me to learn about myself as a person, teacher, leader, manager, caregiver, organizer, disciplinarian, partner, mentor, mentee, coach, supervisor, friend, teammate, and student.

I laughed, and I cried.

I will greatly miss interacting with my students on a daily basis. (Understatement of the century). When I thought my day couldn’t get any worse, I’d see one of their smiling faces, or one of the kids would say something so innocent and ridiculous I’d laugh my head off. Thank you, students.

I worked with a large number of teachers during my principalship. New teachers, veteran teachers, and teachers somewhere in between. Teachers with a variety of strengths, needs, and all inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. Thanks to the teachers who supported me, challenged me, and everything in between ๐Ÿ™‚

Thanks also to all of the members of my PLN who’ve supported me over the past five years, who’ve read and shared my work on leadership, and who’ve joined in the conversations both here on my blog and on Twitter. Thanks also for your support of my webinars and conference presentations. I appreciate everyone at Connected Principals (not sure if I’m permitted to post there anymore ๐Ÿ™‚ and the educators who contribute to #cpchat and #edchat. I’m so grateful for the contributions of these communities. Much love also to Powerful Learning Practice and all of the plpeeps! You’ve all nurtured me as a learner and leader, in one way or another.

The bad news? I suppose I’ll need a new title for my blog!

The good news? I’m not going anywhere!

I’ll be serving as our district’s elementary instructional technology integrator beginning next school year. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with teachers and staff seeking to best integrate technology into our classrooms and to help bring about “the shift” that is so necessary in the ways in which we approach teaching and learning for today’s learners. I’ll have the chance to design professional development, co-teach, coach teachers, and facilitate student project work. The position will afford me with the freedom to pursue my passions and to help teachers get connected and transform learning experiences for their students.

Thankfully I will still have many leadership opportunities, and this summer I’ll be teaching both my first college course to prospective principals (tech for administrators!) and an online course for admin through PLP (check out the details here, because I’d love for you to learn with me!), so I’m very excited about my continued role working with school leaders.

If you’re reading this post, please please comment with the names and blogs and Twitter profiles of people I should connect with to help me be the best I can be in my new role. What hashtags should I follow? What do I need to know? What can I learn to extend my thinking and strengthen my skills in this area? Reach out to me here, on Twitter, via emailโ€ฆ thanks in advance!

I could write this farewell post ten thousand times over and remember fondly a different aspect of the principalship each time. I’m looking forward to change, growth, and to new beginnings.

Goodbye, Principalship. Until we meet againโ€ฆ because we will, someday.

 

 

 

15 Replies to “Until we meet again…”

  1. Lyn,

    Many, many, many congrats your way. The district is gaining a valuable resource and your impact will be felt by so many more folks. My very best to you (and your family) as you make this transition.

  2. Lyn,

    Congratulations to you on your new adventure! I look forward to reading your thoughts and stories in whatever is ahead for you. I know I’ll be learning from you regardless of your job title. Good luck!

    All my best,

    Eric

  3. Lyn congratulations!
    I have learned and been inspired from you and I thank you for that and I look forward to continue to learn from you in your new role.
    Only the best to you
    Akevy

  4. Congratulations Lyn! Your district is so lucky to have you regardless of the position you hold! You have been and will continue to be someone I learn from and admire greatly. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Kyle

  5. Congratulations, Lyn! May you be as successful, reflective, and wonderful in this next stage of your career as you have been in the last.
    Best wishes,
    Jeremy.

  6. Lyn,

    I have looked forward to reading your posts as principal and leader and will continue to do so in your new role. Congratulations and best of luck!

    Doug

  7. Awesome Lyn! I look forward to learning and working with you in the future now that we share similar roles.

  8. Best wishes to you, Lyn! I’ve enjoyed learning from you in the past and I look forward to learning from you in the future! ๐Ÿ™‚ The “momship” is the best job/career you will ever have!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ Hugs to you, sweet one!

  9. Congratulations, Lyn! Your district is lucky to have you working in a role that will allow you to open people’s minds to new possibilities in education, and pursue your passions as well.

  10. Many, many thanks to all of you for taking the time to comment and share your well wishes. I’ve learned so much from you and appreciate your support!

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