Things you shouldn't say to your boss....

"I was surprised when secondary oversight was on the top of the needs assessment list," I said.  "It wasn't even one of my votes."

"Really?" my new boss said.

"Yeah.  I guess I don't know exactly what they mean when they put that down.  Maybe they mean they want someone to help create a cohesive unit study for everyone?  But that doesn't make sense."  After a few more minutes of discussion, it dawned on me what they probably meant after Mr. Snyder said the secondary teachers feel isolated in their classrooms.  "That makes sense!  That must be what everyone wants.  More observation - that would make sense.  The elementary side, they seem more cohesive - they're always talking to each other, comparing notes.  Since I've been here, and it hasn't been long, you know, we haven't gotten a lot of feedback or observation.

"That's probably why I didn't feel very strongly about it," I went on.  "I can't say I'm exactly a lone wolf or anything, but I'm used to forging ahead and getting stuff done on my own.  I think a lot of it stems from when I was younger."  My filter tried to kick in, but I ignored it.  "Growing up, you know,  I was somewhat rebellious.  I didn't like people looking over my shoulder because I was probably doing something I shouldn't."

Mr. Snyder's eyes widened and an amused smile split his face.

"Oh, really?"

At about the same instant I realized what I'd said, I also realized I really don't know my new boss very well yet.  "I shouldn't have said that," I said, but his laughter was infectious.

"I think perhaps I should pay your class a visit tomorrow morning!" he announced with a grin.

"No!  No," I laughed, "Really!  You don't have to!  I've gotten better!  I really have!  I've been working on it."  I felt the blood begin to rise to my face as I tried to find my way out of my blunder.

"I'll come in, and you'll know what I'm there for!"

I could just picture it.  I hated observations bad enough as it was.  Having him come in just as a joke would put my off my stride in two seconds.  "And I'll probably blush as badly as I am now!" I responded, and though I was laughing,  I wasn't kidding.  I would blush.

He laughed, and we went on.  A few minutes later, he said he would try to make it a point to do observations in the secondary classrooms.  "So, if you do see me in your room, it won't be because I think you're causing trouble."

"Good.  I really do follow the rules most of the time."

"Most of the time?"

"I shouldn't have said that, either."

"You a rebel.  I would never have guessed it."