When I joined FFCA in 2005, I didn’t really understand what I was getting into. I came to FFCA not because it had outstanding academic results nor a focus on character and leadership, I came because two leaders I admired worked for the organization and that stamp of approval was good enough for me. I soon came to learn that I had joined a special organization. From my very first day of New Teacher Orientation, I knew I had joined an organization that cared deeply about people. Time was set aside to provide information to help me become familiar with the way things worked. I was supported by everyone to ask questions, to take risks, and to feel welcomed. I remember the utter feeling of exhaustion I had at the end of my orientation. I was sitting on the floor in my classroom trying to imagine how I could assemble it to support students. I wasn’t sure how I could do it, but one thing I did know I wasn't going to be alone. People were there for me. Despite the fact I had taught for 20 plus years, people surrounded me like I was a first-year teacher. Not because they didn’t trust my ability to educate students, but because they cared about me and wanted me to succeed. That feeling of ‘never being alone’ has not once left me, no matter what I have done at FFCA. It is this unconditional support that I am most grateful for. From my grade level partners who worked through wacky ideas with me, to committee and leadership teams who listened to my suggestions and ideas, I came to realize this is us. We never leave people to struggle or figure things out alone.
Over the past 15 years I have been lucky enough to be part of the ongoing evolution of FFCA. We have not radically changed who we are, but we have grown to serve students and families and each other in even more effective ways. Why did that happen? Because that is who we are. We are an organization that is never satisfied with being good, we continually ask ourselves, what can we do better? Nothing is too challenging when a committed group of people work together. This is us, committed and dedicated to each other and to always being the best we can be. I am so grateful for this way of thinking.
People ask me what it means to work at FFCA, and I have a hard time articulating in a succinct way all the distinct ways we work together. I usually start by saying we laugh and sometimes we cry, for all the right reasons. We look out for each other. We are not just people; we are people who care for others. We strive to do our best for kids and families, never settling for good enough. We change, we question, and we embrace new challenges. This is us...a group of people who continue to believe in the power of the collective. I will miss being part of something that is this extraordinary, but I know for sure I will carry with me forever the incredible memories you have helped me create. I am glad this is who we are...I have loved every minute. I hope our paths cross again one day.
Be well,
Joan