Alliance for Catholic Education
Reflecting on the theme of professionalism brought me back to my first year teaching - way back in the 1900’s as my high school students like to refer to that time! It’s safe to say my first year in the classroom was not exactly a model of professionalism. Providentially, in God’s great mercy, he placed in my life, Sr. Elizabeth Anne Allen, O.P. - principal of St. Paul School in Memphis, TN
There were so many instances in my first year when Sr. Elizabeth Anne’s leadership modeled professionalism for me - but there is one that really stands out. I recall being a month into teaching my self-contained 3rd Graders at St. Paul - getting just enough of a routine down to make it all somewhat manageable.
One Monday morning, I remember laying in my bed, hearing a series of telephone rings followed by a beep on my answering machine (a vital technology of the 1900’s). After the beep came the sweet voice of Ms. Lloyd, our school secretary. “Good morning, Mr. DeSapio. I’m just checking in on you, I hope you are well. I wanted to let you know that your 3rd graders are on their way to your classroom since the first bell just rang.” By this point, I hopped out of bed in my pajamas, grabbed the phone and told Ms. Lloyd I was well and on my way out the door!
After getting dressed and racing through a 45 minute commute around Memphis, I made it to school and checked in with Ms. Lloyd. Without a word, she pointed me down to my classroom. I scooted down the hall, opened my classroom door...and my jaw dropped! Standing in front of my class, an hour into their morning routine, was Sr. Elizabeth Anne - my principal! (Of course, in my ignorance I never stopped to think there were no subs just sitting around to cover the class of some clown who’s sleeping in!)
At that moment, I thought for certain my boss would let me have it for being late - and I braced myself for the reprimand. Instead, Sister welcomed me with a “Good morning, Mr. DeSapio, your class has been hard at work with their morning routine.” And she went on to make several specific observations and compliments of the students and their work.
In that instance, I went from feeling like a total failure to being so proud of my students and how they performed without me. In the way that Sister chose to lead at that moment, she transformed an experience of shame into an indelible example of a leader’s professionalism. Had she reacted in frustration over having to cover my class, would I be writing this reflection over a quarter century into my career in Catholic schools and in a leadership position myself?
As leaders, modeling professionalism is constantly required of us, and it may often be more of an art than a science - learning when to clearly hold a line - and knowing when to offer grace. I often reflect on the grace I received from Sr. Elizabeth Anne in this experience and it makes me think about how patient God is with me. In this season of Easter, soaking in the Divine Mercy, may we find the moments to transform shame, offer grace, and call our students and colleagues that much closer to their God-given potential.
Tony DeSapio
Remick Executive Coach
President, Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, Washington
ACE 6