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As a kid, when I watched this scene in "School of Rock" I always thought, "Wow, that rant came out of nowhere!" Now, as an adult working in a school, I understand. It's not just principals, and it's not just prep schools. I have this rant bubbling under the surface, and every woman I have spoken to in education does as well. The men might too, but I don't know. I just know that I'm on one of the lowest rungs of the ladder of public school, and I sometimes safety pin my sweaters in place because god forbid anyone notices I'm wearing another shirt underneath and I get called unprofessional. Our heat doesn't work and I need layers because I'm always cold...in New England...in winter. But I can't look like I'm wearing multiple layers! Because I have to be perfect.
I get side eye and snide comments because I have circles under my eyes and my hair is never perfect. You can't be tired. You can't be stressed. Any tough call you make can sink you. Spoke too loud? "Why are you yelling?!" Spoke too quiet? "She needs some confidence if she wants the students to listen to her." Dress formal? "She's trying too hard" Dress down just a little from there? "She's unprofessional." Never show your weaknesses? "She's intimidating." Admit (or show) that you struggle with some things too? "Well, we can't rely on her for help." Be serious? "You're unapproachable." Joke a little? "How do you expect students to take you seriously if you don't take yourself seriously?"
All of this just to say, I feel you Ms. Mullins. I like to imagine that you went on to loudly sing Stevie Nicks songs on karaoke nights. And if one of those parents saw you, you would just adjust your glasses and tell them "Well, it's Friday night and this is a recreational establishment, but I would be happy to talk to you more about that [insert school related thing] on Monday morning."
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