I'm sorry, Ms. Doe (Part 1)

The cost of classroom set up and what it means for leaders

I arrived at an elementary site with my two kids in tow. The school's heartbeat—the fearless secretary—greeted us with a smile and advised, Find a teacher who needs help. Peeking into classrooms, it quickly became clear that more than one teacher could use assistance.

After a two-hour shift in a veteran teacher's classroom, I was directed across the hall…