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I thought this letter to NYC principals from Mark Cannizzaro, President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the principal union, was terrific -- with advice that we should all listen to, no matter what our respective roles, whether administrator, teacher or parent. Feel free to share it widely. - Leonie
Though I have been actively
involved in CSA’s communications over the last two weeks, I wanted to
personally share my appreciation for your heroic efforts as well as a few
thoughts on what comes next.
Since late last week, the CSA
felt that the closing of our schools was a drastic but necessary step to
safeguard school communities and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our city.
Therefore, while aware that transitioning over 1,700 schools to distance learning
in just a few days would be a near impossible task, we strongly advocated
that the mayor do so.
Since then, as expected, you have
been inundated with information and directives that have been sometimes
confusing and conflicting, sometimes unrealistic and have often left you with
unanswered questions. Through it all, you have been the calming, positive and
steady presence your staff needs. You have instilled confidence and trust in
them even when your own confidence was shaken. I recognize it, the chancellor
recognizes it, and we both thank you!
With all the confusion, I would
like to offer some clarity. Your primary responsibility over the next several
weeks is to do the best you can to provide your students with quality
learning opportunities. It is understood that some schools and some
individual teachers are much further along than others in their distance
learning capabilities. You will not be disciplined if you are unable to
accurately or completely fulfill every expectation or strictly adhere to
deadlines outlined in the DOE’s “expectations memo.”
You are not expected to offer the
same level of supervision as you are able to during the typical school
day. You and the assistant principals should be checking in on staff and
offering support and ideas for how they can best serve students. You
do not, however, need to concern yourself with scrutinizing teacher schedules
and other minutiae. Continue to encourage and remain a source of
strength for your teachers. Be available for them, model as best you can, and
be open to their feedback and concerns. While not under
the roof of your building, I know you will find innovative and real ways to
keep your community connected for the benefit of your students.
We are in unchartered territory
and everyone understands it. The goal is not to recreate a normal school day
given that the sudden changes in our lives and routines are anything but
normal. The goal must be to provide some semblance of stability and learning
for our students while paying careful attention to their social and emotional
health. In turn, we must acknowledge the anxiety and
fears in the adults around us and provide an outlet for them as well.
Finally, you must take care of
yourself. When things speed up, you must slow down. Make sure you
do the things that bring you peace of mind and body so that you can be
present for those who look to you for guidance.
Please know that CSA will be by
your side throughout this process and that we are diligently working to bring
clarity and get your questions answered. Please feel free to reach out to us
at any time and, in the meantime, just do the best that you can!
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