So, it has been a few months and I have been working back in my DLMI TOSA role, doing social media, live-streaming graduation, installing over a million dollars of technology into classrooms and making sure teacher are comfortable using it, you know, the usual. I didn’t get the Director’s job, but you can read about that here. This post is an update!

Well, around June 2nd, I got news that the New Technology Director (hired Jan. 26 at a board meeting and with a start date of March 1, 2021) tendered his resignation and would be resigning as of June 4, 2021. During the shock and surprise, I got a call from our Personnel Commission asking if I was still interested in the Director’s job.

I didn’t immediately know what to say. I was just denied the opportunity about three months before. What had changed in that time to suddenly make me a better candidate? I mean I do have extensive experience leading the district through the most technology-challenged and demanding time during our history. And I did roll out all those devices (with tons of help, but I was quarterbacking and planning). And I do have a ton of historical and cultural perspective about our district, community, it’s teachers, principals, admin and students. But the reasons I was told I was not chosen (hint: no network certifications) had not changed. What was a technology loving English teacher to do?

So I scheduled a meeting with our superintendent. No one has ever accused me of being too timid, am I right? I had one question at this meeting: Would I even be considered for the position, or am I STILL not what you are looking for? I expressed my desire not to waste the district’s time (or my time) by trying to go through a process the superintendent already didn’t hire me for. I was trying to be up front and matter of fact about it, but I really wanted some insight. I cannot be someone I am not, I am a technology loving teacher, passionate about kids and learning and combining tech with teaching to make learning engaging.

I cannot be someone I am not, I am a technology loving teacher, passionate about kids and learning and combining tech with teaching to make learning engaging.

Good news, the superintendent was upfront and honest with me, stating while he did appreciate my work and leadership, he needs the IT Director to be a network expert. That, my dear readers, is something I am not. I know about networks, and I think I know enough to know when to ask for help and when to bring in a specialist to support me, but I hold no degrees in Network Administration, and I have no aspirations to do so. I know plenty of Technology Directors who are hired for their ability to Innovate and Lead, and with those examples in mind, I threw my hat into the ring. We have the technical expertise in our Lead Analysts, and I was really hoping my educational background, leadership ability and style and a great working relationship with all members of the Technology Department and inner-working of our district would let me carry the day. But, alas, it was again, not meant to be.

The superintendent asked me about my vision for my position next year, and I shared some of the plans we had in place before the pandemic and my desire to continue to fulfill those plans. It was a nice conversation and it was a great start to planning for next year. I thanked him for being honest with me and told him if he needed any historical context or history that the guys in the department couldn’t give, I was always available.

I think I have more to offer education, and I am working toward making that vision a reality.

As I write this I am halfway through an impacted Virtual Summer School, which is a post all on it’s own, but I have to say I am happy teaching kids. There is part of me that wants to do more, and will continue looking for an opportunity, even if it is outside of a home I have had for just under 20 years. I think I have more to offer education, and I am working toward making that vision a reality.