Final Blog

The guest speakers for this course were very knowledeable and provided timely information for aspiring administrators.  I appreciated that they were people who had a vast amount of experience in the educational field and are still currently working in the field.  They also help give a perspective of the challenges that we will be facing in the future.

The timing of the classes was difficult.  Every other class iover the course of this cohort was on Monday nights or Saturdays.  Friday nights were very difficult for people working at the secondary level, especially in the fall.

Reflection of Capstone Paper and Professional Growth Plan

I just completed the Capstone paper and am feeling very relieved.  This has been a tough semester trying to balance everything and do a good job as well. 

Thinking and discussing the future made me re-evaluate my own professional goals.  Where do I see my school in five years, and where do I see myself in that picture.  I realized I'm ready to take the next step in educational leadership.  I want to help teachers and staff as they conquer the new wave of demands that will come with the Common Core Standards.  I believe my experience at all levels, elementary, intermediate and presently high school have prepared me to work with teachers in a leadership capacity. 

Education is on a threshold of change, and I would like to a part of the leadership team to help guide us into the next phase of assessments and instructional practices.  PLCs are still at the beginning stages and I believe I can help staffs or departments colloborate to focus on the achievement of ALL students.  It is a challenging time in education, but very exciting. 

Budget Inventory Reflection

The most important things I learned from doing the budget inventory activity is that it is best to use the most restrictive funds first.  Whatever needs are not met with these funds, you can then use the lesser restricted funds.  It is also important to spend the money on the students it was intended to be used on.  Don't save it, spend it.  The law requires that you use the funds and not to save it.

Reflection of November 4 & 5 weekend cl

The CADA presentation on Friday night was an excellent validation of what I do everyday.  I've been to a few of CADA conferences and see the importance of student activities and how they enhance the school culture everyday.  Creating a school environment that students can feel proud of is important in creating a school culture of excellence.  As an administrator it will be important to continue to recognize and validate the importance of co-curricular activities.  Research shows that students who are involved in school activities, perform better academically than student who don't.  The challenge will be to find the resources and/or fundraise to continue co-curricular programs in these desperate economical times.  It will also be important to communicate to those outside of education the research that supports the participation of co-curricular activities.

The presentation by Dr. Terry Bradley, was informative.  I have a much better understanding of the history of the State of California's budget and why public education is in the financial crisis we are in today. It was a good reminder that as school leaders we must keep ourselves updated and informed of state politics.  In order to best serve our schools and communities, we have to take an active part in understanding the implication of supporting or not supporting proposed propositions or assembly bills.  The other crucial element to remember is to take an active leadership role in the school budget because ultimately, as the principal we will be accountable for all budgets and to make sure it is spent on the students in a timely manner.

  

Reflection - October 22 class

Being an Activities Director at a high school for the last five years, I feel fortunate to have been privy to many of the processes discussed at Saturday's class.  I am part of the management team of my school and attend weekly administrative cabinet meetings.  I haven't been in charge of writing a staff discriplinary letter, or suspend a student, but I have been able to closely watch these processes.  I know that when I do have to participate in these processes or lead them myself that here are departments and district staff that are there to assist.

One of the most important lessons I've learned and was reiterated on Saturday is to follow the procedures put into place.  There are difficult situations that will arise, but if we follow the procedures, we will put ourselves into a much better position if we are every questioned about the action taken or not taken.  Kevin Torosian talked about how few times expulsion appeals won on his watch.  This is becuase he was a stickler for procedure and followed the policies already in place.

Dr. Hauser's presentation on running effective meetings is an invaluable tool.  It seems that when I do have extra time to work on something I don't always have the energy and vice versa.  It is imperative that we use our timely wisely and run effective meetings.  This is one of the Leadership Connectors and helps build trust with your staff.  They will be reassured that when you call a meeting there is a purpose and the desired outcome will be clearly communicated.  This is a good teaching strategy and definitely transfers to a good management strategy.

Trust

Relationships with co-workers rely on the same principals as personal relationships. Trust is crucial in order for any productivity, teamwork, or goals can be reached. Trust can be difficult to achieve, but very easily lost. it is the role of an effective leader to constantly work at gaining and maintaining trust with a staff. Honesty is one way to foster trust. I look at my current principal and revel is how he has built strong relationships of trust with the staff. He is honest,even when it is difficult and uncomfortable. What I've learned from observing him is that honesty doesn't have to be brutal, but it does have to be respectful. My principal has a great way of being honest without demeaning anyone in the process. People appreciate it and therefore trust him and his decisions.

Continuous Renewal

I appreciated this chapter becuase I think it's one of the hardest things for leaders to accomplish.  How do we have balance in a very demanding profession?  I have a collegue that says that on any given day she is either not a good teacher, not a good mother, or not a good wife.  She can't be all things everyday.  I think part of it is maybe not looking at it on a daily basis, but weekly, or bi-weekly.  In a week, can and have I done everything I can in all aspects of my life.  The interesting part of my collegue's quote is that she left out taking care of herself.

The example of the professor that asks his doctorate students to prioritize family, health and job is not surprising, but a little unsettling that job was often people's first priority.  I agree that health must be number one, but it is easier said than done.  As educators, I think most people who get into this profession do it becuase of their altruistic nature.  They like helping others and making a difference in other's lives.  We must remember to take care of ourselves in order to be of service to others.

This chapter is a good reminder to keep things in perspective, know when a battle is worth fighting, stay organized and find balance between personal and work life.  I think the best thing we can do for our staff is to be a good role model in having balance.