Why I Love Wednesdays

Wednesdays at my school, like several others are early release days. Typically in the front office, Wednesdays are more hectic than other days with parents picking up their child early or increased discipline referrals because students are out of their normal routines. It seems parents have less patience and expect that it is okay to pull their child out 15 minutes, 30 minutes early. But that is not why I love Wednesdays.

Some Wednesdays require time-consuming planning, as new initiatives and professional development are unrolled for the staff. Other times it requires coordination and balance to discern between what needs to happen as defined by the district and what needs to happen based on the dynamics of student learning and teacher needs on campus. But that is not why I love Wednesdays.

Three years ago when I first began my journey as a building principal I did not like Wednesdays very much at all. Actually with the commotion in the front office and early release it was my least favorite day. At that time, as a staff we didn’t know, let alone trust each other. We had not built relationships or defined a common purpose. We didn’t understand each other, nor did we know how to move past it. Looking back it was hard. I was being judged, while all along I judged others. Now years later, some of the same faces and many new faces make up the landscape of our school. Now Wednesdays are energizing and rejuvenating. We have created a shared vision and purpose behind our work – students first. Everyone makes contributions; problem solves and views our work together through the lens of what is best for students and learning. Teachers are proactive and solutions focused, stepping up and asking their colleagues, “What else can we do?” “What are you doing in your class?” “I heard you are using this strategy, can I observe in your class?” That is why I love Wednesdays.

On Wednesdays I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a love of the job! What is your favorite day?

Jen Robinson

Jen Robinson

Maricopa, Arizona

Hello, my name is Jen Robinson. I have been in education for over 20 years. I began teaching in Buffalo, NY in 1992, as a pre-school special education teacher. My experience ranges from primary grades through high school. My husband and I moved to Arizona in 2001, where we were fortunate enough to teach at the same school. In 2004, I achieved National Board Certification and currently support candidates. In 2011 I completed my Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. My dissertation research focused on supporting National Board candidates through their certification process. During the 2012-2013 school year, I completed my National Board renewal process. It was humbling and very powerful to step back into a classroom. I am currently an elementary principal. I am excited and hopeful for the new school year. I also serve on the Arizona Teacher Solutions Team where we are solutions focused in an effort to transform and elevate the teaching profession.

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