I was over at the school today doing some more work getting my classroom set up for the new batch of second graders who will be here in two weeks. My principal stopped me to talk about some changes that will occur in my grade this year. She wanted to know my feelings about the new teacher who will join us. I told her that we would work with her and try to help out as much as possible, and if she does her part, things will work out just fine. My principal thanked me for always having a good attitude in most situations. (Apparently someone else on the grade level has been complaining to her about the change.)
Now, I know that the change for the new teacher is going to be tough. This particular teacher was in charge of computer lab for the past four years, and due to budget concerns in the district, her position was taken out, so she was re-assigned to our grade to replace a retiring teacher. She worked with us a few years back, and had a very rough time in the classroom. She was very needy, unable to plan effectively, and disorganized. It was rumored that was the reason for her reassignment to the lab-no grades, no homeroom, no tests, no planning.
Knowing what I know about the difficulty of the situation for everyone involved, I could have easily expressed doubts and led the principal to think that we can't handle it. Instead, I took the positive approach and assured her that we'll all do our part to help the new one as much as we can. Sometimes it's just what you have to do to make the situation bearable.
Does this mean I don't gripe like everybody else? NO! I'm not a saint! I know that nothing is perfect 100% of the time, and I do get frustrated over some of the pressures put on us and the students to perform. But, I have seen so often those who are constantly complaining bring out the worst in their colleagues. With that said, my goal this year is to avoid those who bring me down with all of the whining and associate with people who can find the good in things most of the time.
So, who's with me on this?