Comments on: Challenge, Instinct and Resilience

By: Why I turned my back on teaching | edte.ch

Why I turned my back on teaching | edte.ch — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:55:20 +0000

[...] my first week as a Deputy I wrote that, “No other 5 day stretch has ever examined and pressurised my [...]

By: Reflections on Being A Foundation Teacher | edte.ch

Reflections on Being A Foundation Teacher | edte.ch — Sun, 30 May 2010 09:59:49 +0000

[...] my tumultuous first week I wrote that it had been the most testing few days of my career and I would go on to say that the whole [...]

By: evihukalerih

evihukalerih — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:59:08 +0000

evihukalerih... Tracy Pollan...

By: Ewan McIntosh

Ewan McIntosh — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:37:04 +0000

I can feel the Friday night sigh in this, one I remember all too well from most of my weeks, months and years teaching. It's a good sigh, but one you hope gets lessened with every week that passes. It sounds to me as if there's the makings of a superb TeachMeet talk in there for our fifth year – I love the fact that the only technology that really suited your needs was a pencil and paper, also my tools of choice for keeping on top of things. Hurrah for the pad!

By: Darcie

Darcie — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:47:35 +0000

Hi Tom!
I started at a new position last year and feel your pain! You describe it so well-as yes, it can be a time in learning about yourself and others. It sounds like you have a good colleagues at your school! I hope your weeks at your new job get better!

By: Doug Woods

Doug Woods — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:30:50 +0000

“This week I have learned that I can be visibly calm under intense pressure and the impact this has on those looking to me to lead”
Tom, that is a very valuable insight and a very useful skill to have.
I guess as you are a 'new boy' in the school, other staff members may be 'testing' you (in a nice way) to see if you are on their side, perhaps to find your strengths, your views and maybe what makes you tick.
All of which is only to be expected. Stay strong, stay calm and let your best shine through (at least that's what one teacher once told me) and things will work right for you.
All the best and thanks for sharing your insights. Maybe you have learned as much as the kids in those 5 days!

By: Ian Guest

Ian Guest — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:13:52 +0000

Well done sir! Every 'challenge' that doesn't break you means you walk away stronger; tired maybe, but better equipped to meet what might be yet to come. Bit like running perhaps?

Hope you're not facing any #ashtag challenges this week

By: Swing Trading

Swing Trading — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Interesting post. I have stumbled and twittered this for my friends. Hope others find it as interesting as I did.

By: Paul Parslow-Williams

Paul Parslow-Williams — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:51:21 +0000

Enjoyed reading this Tom. When I was involved in school leadership I realised that you don't always have to make decisions quickly on the spot. It is sometimes better to try and generate some thinking or consultation time so that you don't make a snap decision that you might come to regret.

By: darcymoore

darcymoore — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:53:46 +0000

Hello Tom.

I have followed your blogging for about two years now and wondered what you may write about after gaining a new position. Firstly, as a deputy principal in a high school, I read this post and it perfectly related the way a week can challenge one well beyond anything ever imagined when at university studying to be an educator. I empathised!

Secondly, well done! You continue to honestly, openly reflect on the nature of our work and experiences. You learn and share, we all benefit!

I look forward to your ongoing adventures...