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. 

Ch 4 - Competence

This chapter focuses on the thing that we as teachers are always hoping to instill in our students, lifelong learning.  It is important for administrators to recognize that they don't know everything, but that they are willing to learn.  The staff's we lead will respect the fact that we are continually learning right along with them.  They want us to lead them, but the most effective leaders do it by working alongside their peers and staffs.  Each person on our staff comes with different experience and knowledge.  An effective leader utilizes everyone's strengths and helps each person reach their potential.  There is a balance between appearing competent and over-confident.  Honesty is a sign of competence.  Knowing that you don't know everything is reassuring to others and you can be a role model in how you cope in situations where you don't know the answer.  I think it can be a powerful leadership tool for others to watch how you handle yourself when you are learning, or problem-solving in a way that respects and values others in the process.

Ch 3 Reflection - Leadership Connectors, Safety

"Everyone needs to feel safe... As humnas, we need to feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe to live our lives...Only when we feel safe can we shift our energy from basic survival needs to complex thinking and reflecting."  These statements ring true for all of us, students, teachers, administrators.  In each of our roles we look at safety from a slightly different perspective.  We must feel safe as well as making those who rely on us to feel safe themselves. 

As an Activities Director, I work with leadership students.  Our mantra each year is to make everyone feel connected and safe to come to school.  I explain to my classes that even though the activities or events we plan and implement might seem minor to them, they must always keep in mind that it might be the only way some students feel connected to school.  Our goal is to plan activities that appeal to all students.  Not every activitiy will do this, but we must strive to find things that appeal to everyone.  For some students its a car show, for others its playing a particular kind of music at lunch.  Bottom line, by the end of the year, hopefully we've given all students something that makes them feel part of a something bigger than themselves.  Our goal is to help the "invisible kid', the one that their level of participation is just watching.  We know that the more kids feel connected and comfortable at school, the more successful they will become.  Our goal in planning activities is student achievement. 

As an educational leader, we must also extend this to include our teaching and support staff as well as parents and the community.  The safe and more connected they feel on our campuses, the more sucessful we will be.  Student achievement is our shared priority.  Feeling safe physically, emotionally and psycholigically is essential to that goal.

Our profession is one of service.  The level of service increases with the leadership role.  The other important element discussed in this chapter is taking care of yourself.  In order to be of service to others and ensure their safety, we must take care of ourselves to avoid burn-out, isolation, and a feeling of overwhelming incompetence to help or change a situation.  Having a "critical friend," one that you can trust to be honest and have your best interest in mind is important for a leader to be effective.  We will all make mistakes, but it is how we deal with those mistakes, or learn from them that will determine how successful or helpful we can be to others.

The best principals, and administrators that I've worked with always give credit to others befre themselves for te good things that happen.  They are always the first to take the blame when something does not go well, and they support their staff when they make a mistake. 

I remember being a new teacher at an Intermediate school.  I had been teaching at an elementary school for five years.  There were many new procedures to learn and schedules to keep track of at the Intermediate school.  Everyday there was a different bell schedule.  I accidently let my students out 15 mintues early for lunch one day becuase I read the schedule incorrectly.  I saw the principal later in the day and fessed up to my mistake and apologized for letting my kids out before there was any supervision out for lunch duty.  I was so concerned and embarrassed that I made a mistake.  My principal looked at me and said, "Do you know the schedule now?  Will you let the kids out early again?"  I promised him it wouldn't happen again.  He nodded, smiled, and went on his way.  I was expecting a much more serious reprimand about student safety.  He knew my mistake was unintentional and was simply that, a mistake.  I always remember how professionally he treated me, without degrading me or making me feel bad.  After that I made sure that I read the daily schedule more closely.  I felt so supported by this little act of kindness.  I always try to remember that when studnts are other staff on my team make mistakes and ask myself and them, "Did you learn from it? Will it happen again?"  It can be that simple sometimes.

Reflection of ch 1& 2 of "Leadership Connectors"

After reading ch 2, about leadership support, I realized I've been very fortunate to have worked with some incredible leaders. I am pursuing my administrative credential because I've been mentored by leaders who support me and have often seen characteristics and potential in me that I haven't always seen in myself. Communication and support have been key factors in these work relationships. As a young teacher, I assumed that is the way all principals lead, with open communication and constant support. As years passed, I have learned that the best way to lead, manage and motivate others is to recognize and validate others for their hard work. A "thank you" email after an event, activity or presentation goes a long way in making teachers and other staff that they are appreciated. Education is a business like no other. As an educational leader, you must be willing to make yourself visible and approachable to all stakeholders; students, staff and parents.

Reflection #1

I couldn't help but think about all the incentives we try to use with our students in regards to high stakes tests after watching the video, "Drive:  The Truth Out What Motivates Us."  According to the video, any material "thing" or reward is not an incentive.  The three factors that matter are Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose.  Autonomy being the freedom to be self directed.  Mastery is the concept of getting better at something and purpose is having a goal.  The challenge is trying to achieve these concepts with our students.  How do we get them to want to do better?  Is it as easy as explaining the goal and having them help come up with the solutions that will inspire mastery? 

Ed Leadership

I'm the Activities Director at Clovis North High School.  Looking forward to year 5 of CNHS!