pursuit of happiness

So, I meet this morning with my dear friend who is a future head coach for the new coaching model in my school district.  This is an official meeting vs. the usual "hanging out" meetings or grabbing a beer, or having dinner.  We use to work so closely together at our elem school and plan and collaborate.  At this meeting today, She has focused questions to ask of all the new instructional coaches and it is my turn.  She insists on face to face talk because building relationships is so very important as we both know.  The Questions??  Things like what are my fears, dreams and hopes for this new role.  All I remember saying for my dream is to be happy. I had many fears such as entry points to classrooms, expectations from admin and teachers, and most of all...learning to really really listen.  Also...Learning how to ask questions that make people arrive at a revelation or a reflection point that you are aiming for... this is something I've been thinking about a lot lately.  I had an experience this week in the teachers' lounge trying to lead a teacher to respond to the "dreaded packets" of work that he gives his students.  Oh... I so went straight to the end instead of leading him to that on his own... so therefore I failed.  It was my opinion and then his justification.  UGH! much to learn.  Back to the questions:  the last, refers to HOPE:  my hope is that I can really really do this job with my ADDHD tendancies. That I can learn the questioning techniques and the way to talk with peers.... I hope that I can feel good at the end of the day, knowing that I made a difference in someone's life, that I encouraged or taught someone something new so that they will take a risk and grow.  I hope that I can leave an imprint in classrooms all over!

I have not really been that excited or even that happy about the fact that I got this job and I'm not completely sure why.  I've actually been reflecting on WHY was I chosen as there were many folks that were not selected.  My friend shared the five things that all chosen candidates demonstrate in our professional practices/or nailed in the interviews... I'm thinking my history of work had to help as my interview was not 100 percent convincing!!!  An interesting list, but ones that I DID attempt to address on the interview from hell.  Here are the broad categories as to what I remember...

• 21st century skills
  
• credibility (based on experiences)
  
• leadership skills with character and integrity
  
• systemic understandings and relationships of FQL, TPA and PLC (all school acronyms)
• ??

 BUT... I feel happy tonight.  I was assured by my head coach friend, that I can do this... that I will get the training and support that I need to help me grow and I will learn how to question. We shared many ideas on the next months as we plan calendars, and trainings, and meetings and professional developments, etc. and we related to each other's feelings.  She really Knows me, as we have shared a room for five years earlier...in my current elementary school.  I am happy and getting excited.  The names of the instructional coaches will be announced next week.  The word will be out.  ... and I feel happy to be a chosen coach.  I learned today, that I can quit feeling guilty for getting this job and with my colleagues and friends, we can and will make this coaching model work!