United Unfront (Sandwiched)

 

Teaching requires a balance of empathy and discipline,
A gentle hand with a firm line drawn in the sand.
Hearts open wide, yet boundaries stand—
But it also requires a united front, hand in hand.

It is painful to realize that my commitment
To the school’s rules burns fierce and true,
Stronger than the administration's commitment
To its teachers, left standing alone in the blue.

When a principal prioritizes avoiding conflict,
Sidestepping storms with a bowed head low,
Over supporting a staff member who followed
The handbook to the letter, row by row—

It doesn’t just hurt the teacher, a silent sting,
A wound that festers in the quiet night.
It weakens the integrity of the entire school,
Cracking the foundation, dimming the light.

No balance holds when the front divides,
Empathy falters, discipline frays.
Rise, leaders—stand tall by our side,
For in unity, our classrooms blaze.

Tell Myself... How?

 

Writing this appraisal presents a significant challenge, as my professional year has been defined by a profound sense of isolation. Despite my willingness to contribute, I have found myself consistently overlooked for school programs, committees, and extracurricular activities. It is disheartening to feel that opportunities for growth are reserved for a specific circle, leaving those of us who are not 'favorites' or who lack the social leverage to approach leadership, relegated to the sidelines.

However, being 'unseen' by leadership has not meant being unproductive. While I have been outcasted from broader school initiatives, I have channeled that energy entirely into my classroom. My growth this year has been internal and student-centered. I have evolved in my teaching practice by building a sanctuary for my students—a place where, unlike the professional environment I experience, everyone is seen and valued.

I may not have a list of prestigious committees to display, but I have the quiet, consistent progress of my students. I have grown in my own way, proving that professional worth is not defined by being 'chosen' by leaders, but by the impact made within the four walls of a classroom. I remain committed to my students, even if my contributions continue to go unrecognized by the institution.