Final Blog- Interview

YAY, this is the FINAL blog!!! It is exciting to be done!!  Congrats to everyone in all the cohorts for their hard work, long hours, sweat, (possibly tears,) and dedication in completing this program!!!

In regards to the interview simulation, I felt that it was a valuable experience.  The interview simulation will definitely help me in the future when I pursue an administrative position.  I appreciated all the superintendents taking time out of their busy schedule to do this exercise with all of us.  I was interviewed by Craig Wheaton, the superintendent of Visalia Unified.  Mr. Wheaton used our time as more of a coaching session, by explaining the interview process, asking sample questions, and providing feedback to my responses.

It was nice see everybody one last time - the next time we are all together will be GRADUATION!

Again, CONGRATULATIONS  to everyone and enjoy your winter break...with no homework!!! Yay!

Capstone Reflection

Yay! Capstone and profession growth plan done! While writing my Capstone paper I have come to realize how much Reagan has accomplished and all the areas that could be improved.  It seems as though the work is never ending and there is so much more to do to reach each educational goal.  I thought that the Capstone was a beneficial assignment in that it made me reflect on the current reality and the next steps in improving my school site.  Through writing my Capstone it has come to my attention that the success of a school is not only the result of the teachers and students working together, but rather it is the collective efforts of students, families, teachers, support staff, administration, and community members.  Truly, "together we can"!

Budget and Funding

After our last cohort meeting on funding, it is nice to connect what we learned there to our school site.  I definitely learned a lot meeting with my principal.  The only experience I have with site funding is through being a part of School Site Council.   I know that categorical funding is more difficult to spend because there are specific guidelines and protocols to follow.  For this reason it is important to spend categorical funds prior to tapping into site funds.
There is definitely a lot more I need to learn about budget and funding.  My list of things (as a future administrator) to learn is certainly growing...

November Face-to-Face

First off I want to say, "Yay! We had our last class meeting for our Masters.". :)

Friday night I was hit with a bit of reality.  There are so many things to consider when in an administrative position.  We constantly hear about the importance of being visible and an instructional leader at the school site, but we also must follow the guidelines/protocols of being a site leader.  It is crucial to be comply with paperwork procedures and to keep accurate documentation.  One of the most important duties of being a site leader is building capacity through hiring well and supporting existing staff.

That night we also had the opportunity to interact with peers through participating in listening activities.  I thought that it was difficult to listen quietly and not provide input.  At times it was awkward because we were unsure when to start talking or when to stop talking.  I guess I am use to look for affirmation when talking.

Saturday was a day full of school finance.  It is so important to know all the funding codes and be able to distinguish what could be used/purchased from what codes.  Dr. Bradley did a thorough job in explain all the details of school finance.  I just hope that I remember all this when I need it.  December 15th is just around the corner and I hope that the "trigger" won't be pulled.  I am not sure what schools will do if it does...

Leadership Connectors- Putting in All Together

This was one of the best books I have read in the program. I thought the text was relatable and easy to ready.  Leadership Connectors provided me with lots of insight and great suggestions.  Hensley and Burmeister does an excellent job illustrating how each element is linked and how things can go astray if even one of the pieces is missing/ not functioning.

I really enjoyed the last chapter, it was a touching and simple way to tie all the connectors.  I especially enjoyed reading Jeff's journey as the final note of the book.  His story explained the importance of relationships and the difference that one person can make on the lives of many. Jeff's story made me realize that we all make mistake, but it is how we react to it that makes us who we are as people, friends, colleagues, and leaders.   

I would highly recommend this book to other colleagues.  I give this book "5 stars".  :)

October Face-to-Face Class

Last week was a crazy busy week, with all the school activities, meeting, and our Masters class meetings.  Last Friday and Saturday the Clovis, Visalia, Tulare and Sanger cohorts meet at North Center for our two-day class session.  It was long, but I definitely gain new insights and knowledge.  My brain was beyond full after leaving class!

Friday night Roberta Rowe from Lozano Smith presented on student and labor matters that pertained to educational law.   There were discussions of search and seizure procedures and investigation protocol.  Roberta did an amazing job describing each section of her PowerPoint with examples from past cases.  I learned that it is difficult to determine the end result of a situation, and that the end result varies from situation to situation.  It was interesting seeing a different version of the FRISK model- BRICK.  The most important element in determining the end result of a situation/case is the documentation.  As Roberta stated, "if it is not written down, it did not happen".  Given all the scenarios that Roberta describe regarding bullying, I am glad that I teach elementary.  I can't image the difficulty with dealing with cyberbulling on top of all the other bullying that occurs at school.  

I was unable to attend class on Saturday due to a wedding in San Francisco.  As fate would have it I was greatly penalized for missing class.  I got a few mosquito bites, one of them the size of an Uncrustable sandwich. :( My make up assignment is TBD and I am scared.  Bright note, time is certainly flying my quickly this semester! 

Leadership Connectors- Trust

 A wise leader broadens her own narrow space in life, letting others in, while searching for the universal dimensions of her school. 

-Hensley and Burmeister

Finally we come to the conclusion of Leadership Connectors and reached the final connector-trust.  Trust is the most important element of any relationship , especially one that is healthy, fully functioning.  Trust is a leadership connector that takes considerable time and effort to establish.  At the same time is one that quickly lost with decent and lack of honestly.  In order for trust to occur all other elements of leadership connectors have to be in place- communication, support, safety, competence, and continuous renewal.  

Some key learnings from this chapter are:

• Establish trust through establishing respect for all (not liking)
• Say what you mean and definitely mean what you say.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.  
• Don't engage in gossip
• Refrain from complaining, be positive.  
• Own up to your work- if you make a mistake, own it.  

This chapter on trust reminded me the book, The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey and the four core values of trust- integrity, intent, capabilities, and results.  Trust is definitely a value that takes time to establish.  Trust is often described as a bank account, where deposits have to occur prior to taking withdrawals.  However, once trust is lost it is extremely difficult to reestablish.  So make large deposits!