Torre....and my job...

I've been searching for a metaphor to describe what I do. And I've been kinda stumped. I deal with teachers, parents, students. All who want "just a minute." Then there's the "new" restructing. Filled with ARIS; GAINS reports; Intervention and Inquiry Teams; Attendance Plans: changes in the "Mandated Reporter." Professional Development ranks high. Mentors for new teachers. Building a community. Ending teacher isolation. And the 12 yr. old who was laughing on the way to 2nd period now crying uncontrollably before fourth. That's key. The kids. I simplify my job that way. It goes like this...."kids....teachers.....instruction.....learning.....assessments.....how do we know that kids are learning?" The rest is the rest. I learned early in this job that there's a human element. I don't run a factory. I can't use the business model. I can't say "it's not my problem." Why? Because I work with kids. And adults. People. Both of whom, I believe, want to succeed. So my job becomes how do I get them what they need to get them to that place. A teacher came up to me Friday as we were playing pool after school and said, "Thanks for hiring me three years ago." "I can't see myself working anywhere else." And I said, "you'll never work for another ..........like me." We laughed. We both knew it was true. I have definite ideas on how you build community and empower teachers.
And that's why Torre is the perfect metaphor for my job. Every morning for 12 Years Torre walked in the Yankee clubhouse. The Yankees (NYC D of E) the most storied franchise in baseball. The D of E just won the most prestigious award for educational achievement. He dealt with players (students). The front office (the D of E). The fans (parents). The game itself (test scores). The World Series (Progress Report, Report card). And he never flinched. I admire that. And him.
I was at a mtg. Friday. I came into my building late. My AP did a masterful job handling the day. And as we sat in my office, I asked her, "how was it being me today?" She looked up and smiled. "Not easy," she said.