“We don’t do the work for the pat on the back. That being said, the praise and positive affirmations do help, so we know the work is on the right track. Good vibes are always appreciated, for that reason! Recently, I taught my first IAA Course PLC session for the year, and got lots of positive feedback on it, including, ‘Today’s session was fire!’ That’s so meaningful because I take deep pride in preparing and executing this work, while also trying to be responsive and adapt for the needs of colleagues. Hearing the positive feedback is so reassuring that it’s making the desired impact and fuels my passion to keep going!” —Dr. Chris Graves, CPS Principal, CPAA VP
“No one deserves appreciation more than our school leaders, the principals and assistant principals of CPS. No other group is more in tune with their communities, more insistent on academic equity, more flexible in meeting staff needs, or more dedicated to the academic success of our young people. Our union shows appreciation through the contract. Our staff shows it through their commitment to outcomes. And I show it by pledging to always show up, to push for fair representation, to protect this profession, and to honor the people carrying it forward.”
—Kia Banks, CPAA President
“Long days, a hundred directions, yet they still put students first and staff too. That’s what I saw as a retired CPS teacher. The strongest principals don’t just run a building; they shape the environment inside it. They keep staff motivated; those are the people in front of students every day. They understand school as a community and make sure every person making it possible is accepted and elevated. Collaboration is one of the ways principals show appreciation and I love any opportunity to give them back the appreciation that they so freely model. They deserve it not because it’s nice but because it’s honest.” —Dorothy F., retired CPS teacher “I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible demands placed on principals. Their days are long and filled with countless responsibilities—supporting the needs of everyone in their building; showing up for sports, arts, and club events; and working tirelessly to recognize and respond to each student’s unique needs. The best school leaders do far more than manage a school… they shape how children feel about their school, their relationship with learning, and their sense of community. For many kids, school is their first true community outside of family… a place where they feel safe, learn to challenge themselves, and discover how to advocate for themselves and others. —Catherine F., CPS parent and former LSC member
Principal Appreciation Artwork from Blaine Elementary.
CPAA IS VOICE AND POWER REALIZED • 11
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