Do you recognize the many pieces to the puzzle?

Over the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to speak with several different people who are the
leaders/coordinators/directors/supervisors in their respective
departments within my school district. This opportunity has given me a
new found appreciation for the many intricacies of a large suburban
school district.

As a current classroom teacher I plan my lessons, go to school, teach
students, grade assignments and do it all over again. Unfortunately,
many educators including myself, take for granted the many things that
need to happen before we can truly do our jobs.

Before I even wake up on a given morning: there are people working to
make sure the buses are safe to transport students, there are people
doing repairs all throughout the district, there are people coordinating
before school programs, there are people arranging subs for sick
teachers, and there are people preparing food to feed our students upon
arrival to school. My point is simple; as a teacher I would not be able
to do my job if these "forgotten and under appreciated people" were not
doing their jobs. When you work for a school district everybody is
working toward the same goal. We are here to create a safe, positive
and encouraging environment, that promotes lifelong learners who are
prepared to be successful democratic citizens.

So, the next time you use your empty trash can in your classroom, you
enjoy the nice air conditioned school in which you work, you spend money
from your checking account, and you teach students who arrived at
school on time, please remember the people who are responsible for
making this happen. A school district is a complex and delicate
structure that requires the expertise of several different people to run
efficiently and effectively. Be aware, be thankful, and be
appreciative to those who help us do our jobs, by doing theirs...