Today was the first day I wore my diamond wedding ring to work in 4 years.
Most recently, I left the world of administration to return to teaching. This has been the best decision I’ve made in a long time. I was an assistant principal for four years. As a teacher for 10 years, I always thought admin was the path I wanted to take to improve my career. Many of my colleagues also glamorized the transition. Man, I was highly mistaken. And, let me clarify, my experience is not everyone’s experience. Some people love it and do an amazing job.
I do not regret my decision to get my second master’s degree or my decision to apply for the position. I excelled as an administrator, but I wasn’t happy. Until the pandemic, I really wanted to continue the leadership path.
If you decide to become an administrator, there are several things you need to understand. One thing is you will work long hours. Your responsibility load is through the roof. You may not get a chance to eat or pee during the school day. Your spouse may think you’re having an affair. The biggest thing is, everything is your fault; good or bad. Even if it technically isn’t, it is. You take the blame from students, teachers, parents, and district office personnel. It’s beautiful when you get positive recognition, but those moments are few, and far in between. Most people come to you to complain about everything that is going wrong with everything. I became weary. My husband noticed my mood change. I was exhausted all the time.
Over the past two years, I had constant pain in my hip and shoulder. I visited several doctors who indicated that I was perfectly healthy. I lost weight. I limited my exercises. The pain never went away. I thought I was going to have to suffer the rest of my life. After I resigned, I took the entire month of July off. Guess what, the pain magically disappeared.
My time home during the pandemic changed my life. I enjoyed spending time with my family. I experienced new outdoor activities. And, I became a published author. It challenged my thinking. I decided to go back into the classroom.
I missed building those positive relationships with the kids. I missed the lightbulb moment, when the kids understood something you’re teaching. I missed my free time and summer breaks.
Today, I walked into my new classroom at a new school and nearly cried. I didn’t realize how much I missed being on the other side.
Cheers to a fantastic school year.
Shana Hannibal 
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