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. 

Blog #6: Continuous Renewal

One of the most important chapters!  Outstanding leaders share a major characteristic: They love what they do and are inspired by the progress that is made each week.  These same leaders have found the crucial balance between professional leadership and personal enjoyment.  Healthy leaders focus on continuous renewal.  We want to thrive, not just survive.  Some way s to thrive include being visible to your community.  Go out and talk with the teachers, parents and students that you work so closely with.  Write things down in a journal.  Celebrate wins and document tribulations including what you have learned from them.  Another important avenue to nurture is your emotional health.  Find out what brings joy to your heart and a smile to your face.  Do these things more!!!  Know what pushes your buttons and work through these obstacles efficiently.  Reflect on situations with trusted friends, sometimes it simply helps to walk it off.  Understand that others see and feel the repercussions of your attitude, so make it a POSTIVE one.  See the good in everything and everyone.  LEAD by example.  Be patient, organized, compassionate, understanding and focused.  Furthermore, realize the definitive importance in finding a balance in your life.  An individual who focuses solely on work or play misses out on the most important events and accomplishments in life.  This is one chapter that speaks to my heart because of current state of my life.  We all struggle finding a balance, but it CAN be done.  We just have to be ready to carve out time for the important things.  Thinking back on this educational journey, I am hit with the realization that the most effective leaders that we have been privileged enough to learn from or spend time with have found the balance in their lives.  They have set a marvelous example for all of us to follow! J

Blog #5: Competence

Competence speaks for itself.  If you have it, get more. If you don’t have it, get some NOW.  Granted, we all have days where it feels like the cards just won’t fall right.  Learn from these experiences.  Glean from the good choices you made and learn from the mistakes.  It happens to all of us.  The true test thought is how you pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  Recognize that it is IMPOSSIBLE to know everything.  However it is very possible to keep learning.  Bragging about how much you know is never a good idea, especially as a young, new administrator.  When asked a questions you are not prepared to answer, take the time to get the right answer out to your staff members by researching and following up.  As an administrator, we should strive to build up our knowledge in the avenues motioned in the chapter.  Learn from others how to communicate. Observe effective communicators as they handle a variety of situations.  Identify strengths and struggles and work through them calmly.  Show kindness and respect to others, they will return the favor.  Understand how children learn and be able to identify effective teaching practices.  When you organize and prioritize it opens the door for creativity and productivity.  Work with others to create a unified, shared vision.  Cherish intrinsic motivation.  Don’t focus on the recognition; rather take action because it is the best things for kids.  

Blog #4: Safety

I think we may sometimes take this one for granted.  Even though it is the main focus and goal of EVERY school campus, we want to ensure that people feel safe each and every day.  To elaborate, I think that we do everything we can to maintain safe campuses very effectively; however the fear of the unknown is out there.  Bullies pose a significant problem in affecting the positive learning environment.  Anyone can be a bully.  These negative influences can only breed doubt, concern and ineffectiveness.  Once people feel safe they can focus on the important jobs like teaching our young children and making an impact in their lives by letting them experience the wonders of learning.  As leaders we need to set a good example that others can follow, an example where people are caring and everyone belongs.  It is up to the leader to weed out bullies or to avoid hiring them in the first place.  As we know from developing a safe learning environment in classrooms, having consistent and fair routines and procedures leads to peace of mind.  Find multiple ways to reduce stress.  This is a crucial one, especially for us in our current situation.  Everyone is stressed for one reason or another.  We not only want, but need to be healthy and less stressed in order to do our jobs effectively.  Some practices that the book recommends: keep track of your daily ‘wins’, prioritize, practice compartmentalizing, and make a list of things you do to relax.  One of the most important ways to reduce stress… develop and lean on your support network of friends, colleagues, family, etc.  What do you do to relax?  

Blog #3: Support

Support is transparent; you know when it is there and you know when it is not. Support is something that people appreciate.  Support looks different in a variety of situations.  A leader’s role in providing support is imperative.  Walk around and see what the needs of the school include.  Talk to teachers, support staff and students.  Leaders can then make room in the budget to ensure the appropriate support is available to the appropriate people.  Finding out what is classified as appropriate is where the real legwork comes into play.  Start with little things and build from there.  Materials are great, but the true value in support is found in the emotional connections between people.  Fostering positive career building relationships will yield positive effects that will continue to unfold for years.  As a leader, the compassion and support that we show will be passed along and reciprocated. People expect, want and need support.  Remember that support takes on a variety of forms.  My favorite passage in the chapter was at the end where it said, “Effective leaders need people.  Effective leaders can’t do the job alone.”  We need to remember this next time we have a difficult conversation or are having a difficult day.  Be kind and compassionate and the rewards will be apparent in many ways.

Just a side note… I really enjoy the way this book presents information in an easy to read, direct way that captures attention without any boring side effects!  J

Blog #2 Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of our profession.  It determines the success or lack thereof in many situations.  A school thrives when communication is clear, direct and accurate.  Expectations must be clearly conveyed to all parties involved so that everyone can be held accountable for their professional success.  Now in order to be an effective communicator one of our most important jobs is to listen.  It is remarkable what you can find out and in turn achieve by simply listening to the voices of others.  I have found myself in this situation on more than one occasion.  People want and deserve to feel valued and appreciated.  It is simple to achieve this by simply listening.   Their feedback will guide future actions leaders take in a variety of ways.  I found the part about ‘gathering in the parking lot’ interesting.  You really can read a lot about a group discussion by observing the body language of those involved.  I feel like this is something we do without realizing it.  We convey messages without even speaking.  In my opinion future leaders should be exceptionally careful about the messages that non-verbal communication sends.  Maintaining positive, affirming, and welcoming body language would be helpful in developing success.   Other important notables in effective communication include editing written communication, having a good sense of humor to deescalate tense situations, and ‘framing’ communication to breed hope instead of anxiety.  Having staff members aid in big decision making by consensus would be a good way to give everyone opportunities to feel valued and appreciated.  It is OUR school that we strive to make better on a daily basis.  As leaders our communication efforts are put under a microscope and judged by others.  If we can maintain effective communication, then our school family will be happier and in turn more efficient.  The case studies at the end of the chapter were helpful by painting the picture of a good communication model and a struggling one.  

Blog Post 1 - Drive

            First of all the artist in this video along with the message impressed me a great deal.  I found it incredibly interesting that the more monetary incentives offered, in the mentioned studies, the less effective and efficient people were.  Motivation is an important part of our daily lives.  The essential questions is, “What motivates people?”  I found it poignant that people like to do great things because of the sheer contribution to society.  As a future leader I plan to implement intrinsic motivational factors and build on the strengths of our staff and community.  I would highly recommend taking the time to view Daniel Pink's DRIVE video. 

Character... It does count!

Always show good character in all that you do!