This is a brand new feature on PrincipalsPage.com.
Jokes about us.
We can’t take ourselves too seriously…
because we have to realize, they (and by they, I mean everyone… remember a little paranoia keeps you sharp and on your toes) are not laughing with us, but at us.
I came up with this feature just moments ago as I sprinted (I mean ran… I mean jogged… actually, to be honest it is more of a walk/shuffle) through my daily (sometimes daily, often it is more of a few times a week) exercise program.
A few days ago, someone (a.k.a. @tjshay via twitter) sent my wife this joke about principals. I had heard it before, but had forgotten it (because I am so busy, I can’t remember everything… or possibly I am just old and forgetful).
The joke.
“Qualifications to be a Principal. A Master’s Degree and two consecutive losing seasons.”
Makes me smile every time I think about it.
Probably because in so many cases it is true. Let it be noted…my last season of coaching resulted in the kids having a winning season (I say kids because it was all them… very little of me).
I like to think I have a great sense of timing. Get out right before things go bad. Don’t overstay your coaching welcome. Leave on a winning note. Let the next coach deal with the rebuilding.
So that is what I did. I saw the writing on the wall. I got out. The very next season the kids had a record of 24 and 5.
I have said it before, but it deserves repeating. I am an idiot.
As usual, the joke was on me.
True story: I met a gentleman from Texas who got “promoted” to high school principal after having 2 losing seasons in a row as head football coach. The “promotion” came with a $7,000 pay cut.
Cathy Nelson
on Aug 17th, 2008
@ 4:31 pm:
Yes, been there done that–as a coach’s wife. My husband had his administrative degree 20 years before he finally gave up coaching after 25. In year 21 & 22 he had a 1-9 season followed by an 0-10. 19 consecutive losses is NOT FUN (for a coach or a coach’s family). I must say I became very defensive and had to sit often on the visitors side b/c I could not bite my tongue with unpleasant fans. But he refused to quit, even though he wanted to, b/c he would not go out a loser. Thankfully, the next three seasons were fantastic, each year making playoffs. Then after year 25, he went into admin. Funny, but the job he took was a brand new school where he did not have to fill anyone’s shoes either. I ask him if he misses it, and he says yes–if they would allow him to do both he would.
Dot
on Aug 19th, 2008
@ 6:29 pm:
I am a principal who didn’t coach, but I have thought many times that those types of experiences would have been helpful.
Deanna
on Mar 23rd, 2010
@ 9:01 am:
This is a good looking horse.