Synopsis "(Extra) Ordinary Time: Ponderings of a Catholic School Principal (in English)"
School administrators and teachers are bombarded with how-to books for educators, but rarely are they offered an anecdotal, instructional view of the routine goings on in an everyday classroom. Through the ponderings of a Catholic school principal, the topics covered in college coursework come to life through scenarios ranging from lesson plans to weekly Mass to recess duty. Add to this the dimensions of faith formation, human resources, budgeting, and managing a business. Time in Catholic schools is defined not only by semesters, but by the liturgical calendar. "(Extra) Ordinary Time" is a verbal tour of a typical school year in a typical Catholic school shared in terms that don't require a master's degree in education to understand that learning is a life-long enterprise. While this book takes place in the desert Southwest, the landscape serves only as a warm and cacti-brushed backdrop that can be easily substituted by the hills, valleys, and coastlines of any American community. Learn between the lines while experiencing the joy of working with amazing children in their school classrooms, cafeterias, and chapels. As a former journalist turned teacher, this book was born partly out of the author's desire to show that sound management is hands-on, personal, empowering, and productive. It was also conceived out of the author's mission to discover and share the feature stories that truly give meaning to why those who choose to work in education continue to wake up every morning inspired to make a difference. This collection of essays includes titles such as "The Substitute Teacher," "Just a Plain Old Angel," "Statistics, Probability, Loose Teeth, and Thanksgiving," and "Lent - The Gift Wrapped in Old Newspaper." These are the stories that capture the spirit of Catholic schools. These anecdotes transcend the big words of titled programs and assessment driven data. These are the stories, interspersed with life's lessons experienced not only by the children, but also by their teachers and principal.
