tears

A Holiday Tear-Jerker Story

From my boss, Fred, whose name has been changed to protect him from the jealousy of other superintendants who haven't done as good a job at creating a fantastic work environment:

"Hello Everybody,

I just wanted to take a moment to write to you to wish you all a restful winter break. This past semester has been the busiest of my career in education. In this time of year where we reflect on what we can be grateful for, I want you to know I am grateful for each of you.

Thus, I have attached a photo story I made to honor of you. Please take the time to watch it when you get the chance. We in the world of education don’t get holiday bonuses as many folks in the business world do. As superintendent of schools and as your principal I want you to know that if I could…we would.

The photo story I have attached follows the theme of a song by Tish Hinojosa…”Everything You Wish”.

My wish for you this holiday season IS that everything you wish comes true. If your wish is for better health….I wish that for you. If your wish is for quiet time with your family….I wish that for you. I wish for all your dreams could come true.

On that same topic…one of my dreams HAS come true. To work in a school where all staff members are focused on the needs of kids. Where every staff member is doing the best work they have ever done…and where every staff member is willing to whatever it takes to become better at what they do.

An educational leader can be given no greater gift.

I did my best to do an accounting of the folks in this building who really make a difference. I am old and forgetful…so if there is someone I somehow missed…please forgive me. I hope you have a happy and restful winter break. I look forward to seeing you all again in January.

With the deepest respect and appreciation,

Fred."

Fred wrote compliments to each one of us. I could tell from what he wrote, and what I know about each teacher I work with, that Fred is able to see right straight to the core of who we each are.

Holy cow.

My response. This stuff has been on my chest for a while and needed to get it out. I hope he, nor anyone else cuz I sent it to the whole bunch, minds that it's a bit wordy. I tend to get wordy when I get choked up.


"Dear Fred,
My first job out of graduate school I worked for a guy who wore hand-tailored suits and Italian leather shoes. Those of us taking care of "his" art collection didn't make enough to rise above the poverty line in our area, even though we brought master's degrees and professional experience to the job. We were never mentioned at the fancy opening-night galas and we had to beg and plead for the training we knew would help us do our jobs better.

My second job I worked for a woman who made me read her mind. She gave me a task and then berated me for not doing it how she wanted. She expected me to stay busy but never gave me enough meaningful work to do. Then the CEO made me his personal secretary (without asking me), yelled at me in front of the other staff, and expected me to jump the moment he snapped his fingers. I felt like there was no use for my brain any more.

My third (full-time) job, well, I'm pretty sure your shoes aren't Italian. There's a pay scale so I never have to guess at what my salary is going to be nor worry that I can't afford to have an acceptable standard of living with which to grow my family and my future. Your communications are effective so I never have to guess how to do my job. Instead of being told, "I could have 200 people lined up for your job tomorrow," (which was technically true) I hear, "it's just a suggestion, you know music," which makes me feel as though my experience and my knowledge are worth something, and makes me want to try harder. I never lack for stimulating professional development and I'd rather sit down at a staff potluck than anonymously attend a hundred galas. Even better, there are kids around!-- kids who constantly reach into parts of our hearts and minds that we have a tendency to keep a little shuttered. Best of all, you exude real warmth and respect toward your staff and promote the same among us all.

Your gift to me, and I hope the rest of us, is the value you genuinely place on each one of us, not to mention a pretty wonderful environment in which to spend 9-10 hours of our day and provide for our families.

Thank you."

Fred made me cry. He made four other teachers cry, I think. Maybe more. 'Scuse me while I reach for the kleenex.