Blog #13

First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Wise, Dr. Buster, and Dr. Darrow for a wonderful semester of new learning and collaborative working.  I enjoyed the class and the content learned.  We are lucky to have a magnanimous team leading the way for us.  You developed a class to meet our needs and challenge our minds.  We worked together to understand thought provoking concepts.  We appreciate the opportunities you gave to us! Thank you very much!
One of my favorite parts of this course was the mock interview.  I enjoyed meeting the superintendent from VUSD.  We discussed areas of improvement and strength.  The interview was a great way to learn about the questions asked during the administrative interview process as well as practice for future opportunities.  It was a great experience.  The volunteers who spent time interviewing us were generous with wisdom and encouraged us to follow our dreams by preparing to become and administrator.  Thank you to all of the people who participated in the interview process.  Great event!  The learning that occurred during our time with you was precious and valuable.

Blog #12: Capstone

As I wrote and re-wrote this project I was continuously aware of the need for goals and constant desire to improve in a variety of ways.  This assignment provided an ample opportunity to celebrate the good things going on at my school.  In addition, I was able to hone in on some of the goals we have and how to accomplish these goals.  This assignment made me realize how much an average teacher may not know about their particular school.  I learned new things about my school site and I would bet that 90% of our teachers would learn new things about our school too.  We must know where our current reality is, so we can build upon it and create a brighter future for our youngsters.  Positive process and outcome to this educational project.

Blog #11: Budget and Funding

Reviewing the budget of our school was an experience.  This was a great assignment to witness the inner workings of a school that many people just don't get the opportunity to see.  Our Principal, GIS and office manager all had input to share and contribute.  This also provided another example of the way in which our administrators collaborate to ensure the efficiency of our school.  We must be mindful of the money we have in order to operate our school in the best way possible.  Some funding comes with stipulations on how and when to spend it so we constantly have to be aware of this too.  Interesting things to consider and ponder.

Blog #10: Class 11/4 and 11/5

What an eventful weekend! We heard from three different human resources specialist serving at different capacities in their respective school districts. In the hiring process, you want to make sure that the individuals you hire are cohesive with the mission of your school and district as well as able to build relationships in a collaborative manner. When hiring, it is also important to check references and do your homework regarding the potential candidates. These people that we hire are going to be working with our young people every day. Following that presentation, we had visitors from CADA come in and facilitate some learning activities that were though provoking, challenging and induced meaningful conversations. The listening/speaking activity in teams of three was a challenge to un-train ourselves from normal conversational practices and adapt to this new way of listening only. It was interesting all that you heard and absorbed. The next activity was where we sat in large groups and discussed the challenges and opportunities faced with the previously mentioned discussions. Affirmation was scarce and some individuals filled in the gaps. We learned a lot about ourselves as communicators and people in this activity. They also left us with some valuable resources from the CADA source page. The next day we were able to listen to a very informative seminar about budgets and funding from Dr. Terry Bradley. It seems that we only just scraped the surface of this topic, all the while learning a multitude of new things in this very informative day. Great classes

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Blog #9: Putting it all Together

This book has been a great read for someone going into leadership.  I would encourage all people is any kind of leadership role to read it.  The information provided and stories shard uplift your spirit and make you believe in the foundations of leadership.  These foundations are the connectors in the book: Communication, Support, Safety, Competence, Continuous Renewal, and Trust.  I find opportunity and comfort in each of these topics.  I have been able to reflect, feel affirmed and acknowledge areas with room for improvement.  This is one of these books that I will keep and reference throughout my never ending educational career.  The authors ended this book with a story about a beloved principal who had an illustrious 35 year career as a leader in his school district.  He mentioned how he thought it flew by quickly.  We all know how fast time seems to pass us by.  The superintendent gave a beautiful speech quoting the very popular song, 'You are the Wind Beneath my Wings.'  When Jeff, the retiring principal went up to give his thank you speech he quoted Winnie the Pooh and I loved it so much I thought I would reproduce it here for a continuous reminder.

If ever there's a tomorrow when we're not together
There's something you must remember...
You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem,
And smarter than you think, but the most important thing
Is even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.

 While reading this I thought of my students and all of the people who have impacted my life in one way or another.

Blog #8: Class 10/21 and 10/22

Over this weekend we were able to hear from a variety of educational professionals.  We heard from Roberta Rowe of Lozano Smith.  She shared advice on how to handle certain student issues such as basic search and seizure operations, bullying and harassment.  As leaders we want to continuously operate within the parameters of the law and Ed code.  Roberta continued by discussing student custody issues and child abuse reporting requirements.  Most of the time was spent discussing personnel management.  It is supremely important to document everything.  With advanced technology available at everyone’s fingertips, this should be relatively easy.  Appropriate documentation of the facts will help to make everyone’s job a little easier when things get complicated.  We were also able to hear from Dr. Linda Hauser who had some valuable words of wisdom about meeting organization and management.  This was a cooperative learning time appreciated by the group as a valuable learning experience.  We produced graphic organizer of what we felt was important business to be conducted in every meeting. 

Blog #7: Trust

The opening line to the chapter says it all TRUST IS PRECIOUS!  I think all too often we forget this simple truth.  This is the most important yet sensitive and vulnerable quality in any relationship.  The thing about trust is that it takes a quite a while to build and only seconds to demolish.  Part of our responsibilities as leaders include promoting positive integrity and setting a good example.  Lead by your actions.  We must continuously evaluate what we are going to say and do as well as what has already been done.  The previous character qualities that we have blogged about are puzzle pieces that build and develop this fragile trust. Respect the individuals and teams you work with, each and every one of them.  Resist the temptation to talk about others and engage in gossip.  Be honest and tell the truth.  I tell my first graders that the truth may get them into a little bit of trouble, but lies will get them into BIG trouble every single time.  :) Show people you care in a variety of ways.  For example, greet people each day and ask them how they are doing.  CARE!  Offer help if needed.  In conversations and expressions of gratitude use their name.  I was once told that the two most valuable things someone can hear are thank you followed by their name.  It shows you care and are worthy of the trust that people are somewhat reluctant to give away.  Really above all else: Treat others like you want to be treated.  Trust is earned and unfortunately easily lost. Be mindful of this.