A former colleague, Liz Cho, has recently led workshops on administrators and WTF (Where’s the Fun?). As I reflect upon my last couple of months coaching the middle school boys basketball team, I realize that the fun in administration comes in many different shapes and sizes and it’s up to each of us to find that Fun!

Educators go through hills and valleys throughout the school year and the months of April/May seem to be one of those times as stress and excitement are rising with the end in sight, and for administrators we are already planning for the following school year. I have found that one outlet for my WTF this school year has been through coaching.

Coaching has always been an important aspect of my journey of education and I want to make sure that it remains throughout my time as an administrator as well. For me it’s about that opportunity to relate with the kids in a different environment and to bring about the core values of teamwork, respect, positive effort, and sportsmanship.

Although today the boys struggled and went 1-3, there’s something incredibly rewarding when during the awards ceremony the organizer announces the sportsmanship trophy, says that the vote was absolutely unanimous, and calls your boys up to the stage. Yes, of course we would have loved to have brought home the first place trophy, but I’m so proud of these boys and the character they show both on and off the court.

Looking forward to next school year, I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue coaching and to try and make a small difference if the lives of young people. My days could be filled with difficult conversations and disciplinary issues (and sometimes they are), however, I also want to keep the fun. I have found that one way I can definitely keep the fun is through constant interaction with our students in the classroom, on the playground, and on the court!