Thanks be to God, “The Interview” turned out to be a success! Yes, I’ve been given the appointment of a Senior Teacher (for those who don’t already know what “The Interview” was about).
For the school I guess since I’m the first to take on this appointment, there will be quite a bit of expectations, at the same time, still feeling its way around as to what exactly needs to be fulfilled for someone in my role. The good thing I forsee is that in the words of my VP, “the egg is broken”. It’s probably less daunting for other teachers in future who aspire to take on this appointment. In fact I would think more teachers would be willing and ready for it since the path has been trodden.
As for me, I still do wonder if I’m really ready and suited for the role. When my P was having a dialogue with me before he broke the good news, it didn’t sound too positive about it. It wasn’t a unanimous decision from the panel to award me the appointment. Some felt I wasn’t sure or knew what I was in for. They are right. Still right. I wouldn’t dare say I’m 100% sure of what I’m in for since there isn’t any predecessor who has done the job before. I would need to feel my way around and pray I will get it right. Some things just cannot be left to chance. Your career is one of those things.
Somehow I can’t help but feel the the panel finally decided to give it to me because they too wanted to help my school “break the egg”. I figured out that this would be one of the points of discussion after I left the interview room. Certainly if I’m one of those in the panel, that would be a major considering factor – to let one through so that more, and probably better ones can come. Well, looking at it positively, I guess I had this situation to my advantage 
So what are my plans for at least till the end of the year… Firstly to continue work in staff development and honouring teachers for their efforts. Teachers Day has come and gone. I hope to make the Thursday Honouring Day an avenue for teachers to be recognised not just for their efforts with the pupils (be it CCA, competitions, etc.) but even in their individual pursuits for self-improvement and learning. These are all done in the name of education.
Second, the staff will be having a year-end Staff Retreat-cum-Teachers Day dinner. I thought it would be a good time to round up the year by having a “thanksgiving” session. You know how at Thanksgiving family members give thanks at the dinner table for all that has taken place for the year. It’s a time for staff to show appreciation to each other for the little and big things they have done to make school a better place to work in for 2009. Just another idea… not sure if it’s a good one, an awareness session for teachers to assess their personal well-being as a worker. But I would have to do much research on it as I still have a rather sketchy idea on that.
Cheesy it sounds, time flies. 2009 is coming to an end. Today is tomorrow’s yesterday. We need to make every effort count in whatever we do. At the end of the day, what counts are just these few things in life. For me, it’s God and my family. Where then does my work come in? Well, it’s a blessing from God to be where I am and what I have so that I can be a blessing unto my family.
