Final Blog

I can't believe it-we are done! We made it! And today's interview was way more enjoyable than I anticipated! The mock interview provided great practice (although I treated it as the real deal) and the feedback I received was very helpful. I'm not too into talking myself up, but I was encouraged to focus on my educational accomplishments and while it may seem like bragging to me, it's what a interviewee needs to know! Overall, it was a very positive experience!

Ok friends- it's time to put it all together! I've gained so much knowledge, insight, and effective leadership tools! It's been fun, but I'm glad it's over! Good job, Me! Good job, You!

Capstone Reflection

As I worked on this assignment it was apparent that as educators in order to ensure that ALL children learn there are some important decisions that need to be made....first and foremost, being "real" about the sites current reality is the first step in moving our team in the right direction. Let's not sugar-coat anything: what's working? What isn't? Who's gaining from what we are doing, and who isn't? Let's face it, change isn't easy, but it's essential for continuous growth and improvement. We are so fortunate that at Oraze everything is "new" and everyone is changing together. New intervention program, new Avenues instruction program, new leadership, etc. Nothing is "the way it's always been done". It's a great opportunity for our staff to share our various experiences (from the different sites we all come from), to learn from one another, to challenge each other, to support one another and to ALWAYS hold tight to doing what's best for kids when making decisions (financcial, staffing, interventions, etc.) for the future of our students. If we are all open to change and progressing we'll be successful!

Budget Reflection

As the Resource Teacher,with quite a bit of GIS duties,I have some experience of dealing with our scot budget; however I do not manage or deal with it directly. I am involved in administrative discussions and decision making on how to use our money to best meet the needs of the students in our community. I did find it interesting that we have designated quite a bit of our money in two main categories- instructional supplies and intervention teachers (including my salary). I know that the more I'm involved in the process of deciding how best to meet the needs of our students with the money designated, the more knowledgable and confident I will feel about managing the budget.

Face 2 Face November

Another informative face to face meeting. I feel like we are getting to the "nuts and bolts" of the job responsibilities of an administrator.....the behind the scenes "stuff" we don't see as teachers. I really enjoyed listening to the three HR representatives from Clovis, Visalia, and Sanger. While they all shared differently, the underlying message heard loud and clear is who you hire is a reflection on you....as an administrator, I will have to ensure that who I hire is the best fit for the students we serve, the mission and vision of the school and district, and someone who is willing to meet the high expectations.
The CADA group led us through some great listening activities- to be honest, I consider myself rather personable, but the activities were a challenge that night. It wasn't about being able to carry a great conversation, but rather listening with respect. A great lesson to carry with me and practice often throughout my career.
Listening to Dr. Bradley speak about budget was very informative. In my current position as the Resource Teacher, I don't deal with the site budget but am in on many conversations about it. The information shared was something that will be helpful as I move into administrative duties that may require me to tend to the budget. Biggest message I received: site principal is responsible for how money is spent, even if someone else is overseeing it.keep yourself "in the know" on a regular basis.
Another informative meeting. Thanks Dr.Buster, Dr. Wise & Dr. Darrow..

Leadership Connectors: Putting it all Together

As I read through this book, it was very clear how all connectors were linked together. It is apparent that with clear communication, support of staff, providing a safe working and learning enviornment, proving competency, allowing for continuous renewal and growth, and trusting your staff a leader will prove to be effective.The book certainly provided me an opportunity to reflect on what kind of a leader I want to be. I want to be the type of leader that I hear others saying great things about: "She's wonderful!", "I feel so supported and respected!", and "She makes my job easier and more enjoyable." I hope that as I cross into the leadership role I am able to provide the key elements of an effective leader.
I think the thing I gained the most from was to be a reflective leader.... looking back on my day, my week, my month, my year and asking myself, "What went well? What needs to be improved? What can I do differently next time?" is a great opportunity to grow and learn as a leader. I have always reflected as a teacher, and year after year challenged myself to grow and change. Now that I am in a leadership postion it's important to continue this reflection.
From this particular chapter the biggest learning for me: "Always remember to think before you speak and act. You dont' have to always say or do something immediatly. Give it a little thought, determine the consequences and reactions, and then respond proactively." Throughout my courses, this message has been delivered over and over again....LISTEN- THINK-RESPOND.

October Face-to-Face

Our time together was very informative. I especially enjoyed listening to Dr. Linda Hauser share with us how to hold effective meetings. Being in a position where part of my job duties include providing support and staff training/developement to our teachers, this was so enlightening. I felt that Dr. Hauser provided us with great ideas, tools, and insight on how to get the most from those meetings. I will definitely share this knowledge with my principal as we prepare for our next staff meeting.
I really enjoyed hearing from Kevin Torosian. He was straight forward and  the information he shared was so helpful. Although I am limited right now as to what disciplinary actions I can and cannot enforce, I'm only months away from being an administrator on site that will have to refer to Ed Code for suspensions and may one day go through the process of expelling a student. Currently, I meet with students who are referred to the office and I do make parent phone calls and issue consequences, however, my prinicipal still handles all suspensions. I am fortunate that she also has me sit with her as she explains the Ed Code violation, preparing paperwork, and parent notification. I am receiving great guidance and training in an area that I need to feel more confident about. Kevin was able to provide some sound advice, explain procedures and protocol as to how to handle those tough disciplinary occurances.
The time in class was a bit of a reality check for me.....we are only months away from completion, this is the serious stuff we need to know to be effective leaders at our sites. I'm excited for the challenge and can't wait to move on to the next level!

Leadership Connectors, Trust

The big TRUST word.....the foundation to any kind of relationship. I've always said, "if you want to get rid if me, lie to me or destroy my trust in you, and I'm gone". That's how serious I take trust- and I am assuming others as well. When I was a teacher in the classroom, my friends and I watched many colleagues move up into administrative positions. We would then place bets on how long it would take before each person would forget what it's like in the classroom- and now that I think back, maybe we really wondering was how long would it take before we lost trust in that person?? As part of the administrative team at my site, it is top priority that I establish and maintain trust. I need them to know that when they need me, I'll be there and as a result, when I need them they will be there. Before opening our doors to our brand new school, our staff sat together and had a great conversation about how we wanted to feel when we walked onto campus. We listed all input...bottom line: trusted, supported, heard, safe...everything we've been reading about. One teacher even changed the Golden Rule: "treat others the way THEY want to be treated." - a little more to think about in how we treat each others.