President's Message

    To begin, it is such an honor to represent our school division as the president of VBAESP.  I must have started the article for this publication at least five times.  What can I possibly say to such an esteemed group of educators?  So, I will write from the heart. 

    This is my twentieth year in education.  Wow! Twenty years!  A lot has changed in our schoolhouses over the last twenty years, but honestly some things are truly the same.  As the instructional leaders, we guide our schools with the ever so popular four questions:  What is it we want our students to learn? How will we know when each student has learned it?  How will we respond when students don’t learn?  How will we respond when they already know it?

    Was it that different twenty years ago as I sat all day on Sunday with curriculum guides all over the living room floor doing lesson plans?  I certainly remember asking myself, “What in the world do these babies need to know out of all this stuff?  What kinds of activities should we do so that I know if they get it? OMG! It is Wednesday and they should understand this by now.  Back to the drawing board.” I believe the biggest change has been the “opening” of the classroom door.  Teachers are recognizing the value of true collaboration.  The work that is being done in our PLC’s is most inspiring.

    If I were to go back to the classroom at this point in my career I would be a much better teacher.  Why?  First, I have had the opportunity to observe so many talented teachers over the years.   Secondly, the crucial conversations that we are having in our schools nowadays force us to reflect as educators so that we can provide exactly what our students need to be high performing learners.  Being an educational leader today is exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.  Taking part in the collaborative discussions that are going in our buildings motivates us to dig even deeper.  I am proud to be an educator and thank you all for what you do for children each and every day!

                                                Lori Hasher

Principal, Bayside Elementary