Mrs. Cromer: Leading & Learning

Our students returned this week.  It was chaotic, stressful, overwhelming, and WONDERFUL!   I had lunch with first graders, read a book to each class, went on a bear hunt with kindergartners, and enjoyed lots of hugs.  But it was a comment from a bus driver that made my week. "You were made for this job." Yes, I believe I was. I know the question "Why do I lead?" should generate a greater response, but for me it is really that simple.  I lead because I feel it is my purpose.  I believe God gives us each a talent and expects us to use it for the greater good.   www.strategicleadershipresources.com My passion for education is a blessing from God and looking back I can see how He used experiences and people to push me to this place.   I didn't start out on this journey willingly and I certainly don't take the responsibility of leadership lightly.  There were moments this week that I questioned my abilities and my vision...

The school has been cleaned, handbooks have been copied, and the class rosters finalized.  Just a few more finishing touches and CES is ready to open for the 2013-2014 school year. But we're already celebrating.   A few members of the CES team outside of historic Double Springs School. This past weekend the CES faculty and staff got together for a cookout and a hayride to a historic one-room school house in our community.  Everyone brought their families and it was a wonderful, relaxing time before the work begins again next week. Our school, like so many others, is a family.  And like so many families today, we do not get enough time to just enjoy each other's company and some good home-cooked food. While I am blessed to work in a school with a wonderful climate, as a leader I am always looking for ways to maintain and grow in this area.  I have a dog-eared copy of Todd Whitaker's Motivating and Inspiring Teachers  that never fails to s...

Source: jumpintheair.com Here it goes.  I'm jumping in. Next week marks the "official" start of my tenure as the Lead Learner at Check Elementary School. Although I have been the principal there since July, it will become real when I stand before the faculty on Tuesday. When I completed my Ed Leadership studies, I never planned on becoming a school leader.  In fact, each class I completed only cemented my belief that being a middle school social studies teacher was the best job ever. Fast forward four years and I still fondly reminisce about my classroom days. But now I have fond memories of many classrooms.  I have an opportunity to mold the minds of students and adults alike. Is there any other job that is more exciting and terrifying at the same time? I can't wait. I'm also jumping into blogging.  Social media has had an immeasurable impact on my journey as a leader.  Since joining Twitter in May of 2012, I have had the pleasure of building ...