A grand profession for great and simple accomplishments; what does it really take to make a difference?

From the first moment I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher -- just like my mom, who gave more than 30 years of her life to the classroom. From our play schools in the garage to my admiration of my favorite teachers as a student, I always knew I'd be a teacher.

I did not aspire to become an administrator -- never gave it a thought. That I owe to a colleague and friend who saw something in me that I would not have seen in myself -- leadership potential for a bright future in administration.

Through it all, I believe that nothing that I learned in classes will ever take the place of those "simple things" that seem to make the difference. See if you find these to be true as well!

The simple things

* Making a difference in someone's life -- although I may never know it.

* Realizing that each new day holds something different and probably unexpected.

* Being able to work with children and their families, to be a part of their futures.

* Challenging my own listening skills, saving judgement and defensiveness.

* Using creative yet practical problem-solving skills to find appropriate answers to tough and sometimes emotionally charged issues.

* Working as a team member, honestly believing that teamwork is a much greater resource than individual effort.

* Seeing the hills, mountains and peaks that must be climbed before leaving the valley and preparing by "packing appropriately."

* Learning not to "fight back," but to prepare with facts and truths.

* Finding time for me -- and for the things that mean the most in my life. (I admit, this is probably the most difficult.)

* Earning the respect of others through kindness, thoughtfulness, consistency and follow-through.

* Remembering that all those things that I taught my children in kindergarten continue to be the very things that are most important to success today.

* Trying as hard as possible to not allow the "little rocks and sand" to fill up my days so as not to allow the "big rocks" to have my attention.

* Remembering that it's really all about relationships -- with our students, parents, communities, each other. After all, we are all in this together ... thank goodness!

* Surrounding myself with bright, capable, energetic and committed professionals, and knowing we will all be better for having worked together.

* Celebrating our accomplishments -- publicly, sincerely and with enthusiasm.

* Believing that we can continue to improve, no matter what greatness we believe may have already been achieved.

* Seeking new ways of doing things and listening to ideas of others.

* Making the most of our time by working smarter, not harder.

* Finding ways to manage the piles, rather than allowing the piles to manage us.

* Enjoying every day and looking for brighter, more fulfilling days tomorrow.

I have been most fortunate to have been surrounded by professionals who believe that we can accomplish great things together. My gratitude, respect and admiration will always go to James Meshwert -- district superintendent, true friend, colleague and buddy -- for encouraging me and helping me to find such satisfaction in this great profession.

After 25 years in this grand profession -- from teaching kindergarten and first grade to assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent -- I find that the "simple things" continue to hold true. What is important in a kindergarten classroom is equally important in my current role as assistant superintendent. All of these simple things truly make the difference between a "career" in education and "making a difference" in education.

Linda Kramer is assistant superintendent of Pleasant Ridge UESD in Grass Valley.