Gearing up for opening day!

This morning I deliberately poured my coffee into my Google mug.  I wanted to remind myself of how this week will impact me.  I am now a tech coach.  I am no longer a classroom teacher.  My stomach churns with excitement and anticipation of one of the most exciting weeks of my career.

I will not lie.  Fear also runs through my veins.  Will the staff accept me in my new role?  Will I be resented as yet "one more thing to do," or will I be embraced as "I'm so happy you are here to help?"

My very first day of school was a very, very long time ago.  It's funny, though, how I feel like the "first day of school" for me is tomorrow.  My new position, as a coach, has me worried a little.  I'm worried about what to wear:  not too professional, because I'm not an administrator; not too casual, because I am a professional, after all.  Those who know me best realize "what to wear" is a constant concern of mine, because, truth be known, fashion is my hobby and one of my passions.  If I'm every late to work, it's usually because I couldn't decide what to wear!  Clothes, to me, define a person, to an extent.  I always tell people who are nervous about doing something, "Looking good is half the battle."  I went shopping and purchased many cute, stylish outfits for the school year, because, as usual, I always want to look good on the first day of school.

This time, however, I don't want to just look good in clothes.  I want to make others look good and feel good about what they're accomplishing in the classroom.  I want to support my colleagues, my friends, my school family.

I want to help them celebrate highs in their teaching, I want them to feel energized and ready to try new things, I want them to embrace changes and new ideas, but mostly, I want to support them in any way I can, even if it means getting them a cup of coffee along the way and complimenting them by saying, "Cute outfit!  You look great today!"

As I finish my coffee, I realize it doesn't matter what you're wearing or how you look.  It's how others perceive you because you supported them, you cared for them, you tried to understand, and you tried to make a difference.

Wish me luck!  Can't wait to see what tomorrow's first day of school is like!  I hope someone eats lunch with me.  I hope I make a new friend!