Sitting at the front desk of the school may make you feel as though you are on display, with nowhere to hide. This is very true, but rather than feel as though you are the center of attention, the truth is you blend into the background. This is a good place to be.
Sitting quietly at your desk, focusing on your computer screen, oftentimes allows you to fade into the background. Office visitors – students, parents, teachers forget that not only can you see them, you can hear them as well.
I am not advising that you be the office snitch, but keeping an ear to the ground gives you an insight into what is really going on in a school. You may hear student’s discussions not meant for adult ears. Parents may be comparing notes about a school event offering true feedback that would otherwise go unheard. Teachers coming and going to mailboxes may drop subtle hints about feeling out of the loop, or maybe over-saturated with information.
Discretion is crucial, however, remember there are many different perspectives in a school community, and all should be considered. If you could offer a thoughtful insight about the minds of the school community, to the policy makers, you should.