I say this as a current principal intern who fully understands how much is on a principal's plate: How many principals gave up an hour of their day to cover a class? Small schools, different story, but our high school of 2,000 students has 6 principals. It can happen. - ThreadSky

mrrablin.bsky.social • 185 days ago

I say this as a current principal intern who fully understands how much is on a principal's plate: How many principals gave up an hour of their day to cover a class?

Small schools, different story, but our high school of 2,000 students has 6 principals. It can happen.

Reposted from Marianna Ruggerio

Every green cell is a teacher who willingly gave up their prep to cover a collegue today. Every magenta cell is a teacher who was told they were required to cover for a colleague. 19 teachers out. 5 substitute teachers available. 60 teachers who lost a prep. We are burning out fast.

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wadebuckman.bsky.social•184 days ago

I spent a ton of my time during the first two months of the school year covering classes because we didn't have subs. I ended up getting behind on some of my stuff but...you can only do what you can do. It's definitely not sustainable for anyone involved. 😬

mrrablin.bsky.social•184 days ago

Yeah, I agree. It definitely shouldn't be a solution, but on days like the one described in the original post, it makes sense to ease a crisis.

That being said, that must have made for a tough start of the year for you.

wadebuckman.bsky.social•183 days ago

Yeah, it wasn’t the best start. Ha!
My principal and I try to cover though so teachers don’t have to…if we can help it. We both remember what it was like and try to protect their time if we can help it.

It’s chilled out lately though. 🙌🏽

jcantonw.bsky.social•184 days ago

Collective bargaining agreements might limit some principals' ability to do this, as it denies "an opportunity" for additional pay. I've heard the argument that this is an unintended consequence that no one loves. How real or prevalent is that? I have no idea.

jcantonw.bsky.social•184 days ago

Central office folks covering classes during the extreme substitute shortage after schools reopened was a much needed opportunity. I think that opened some eyes, or at least provided more context, during a particularly challenging time.

mrrablin.bsky.social•184 days ago

Actually, I have heard this, too.

wahooteacher.bsky.social•184 days ago

My admin has even covered for TAs😊 She’s always so visible that it just seems natural to the kids when she’s covering for someone.

mrrablin.bsky.social•184 days ago

That’s my goal as a principal (though, to be fair, I already told my admin mentor that I’m probably going back to the classroom instead of applying for admin jobs after the program’s done)

mrrablin.bsky.social•185 days ago

Plus, being back in the classroom is a great way to get a pulse on how things are going in the school.

msruggerio.bsky.social•184 days ago

On this list? Exactly one. And only because today was an exceptional day and that assistant principal is an exceptional human. Normally? Zero. I needed to set up a lab and run copies first hour and was working with a student but had to cover freshman math.

mrrablin.bsky.social•184 days ago

I’m honestly impressed it was one. I assumed 0, even on an exceptional day.

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