Final Course Reflection: Organization & Administration

As a first year principal, one of the pitfalls I might face is skepticism among the staff, students, and community regarding my age and inexperience.  As a classroom teacher, I have heard and even participated in conversations that included doubts and uncertainty when our school gained an new principal and our county a new, young superintendent.  I am sure that these conversations will be much like the ones that my staff will have when I am introduced as their principal.  Through my coursework, I have learned research-based practices to help me earn the respect of school stakeholders.

I have learned to fully understand, evaluate, and re-design (if necessary), the school vision statement to ensure that all the school stakeholders are working in the one unified direction.  I have learned to create collaborative partnerships with the community in order to improve school culture and strengthen school programs.  As a new administrator, I know to assemble a quality team with representation of all school stakeholders and then complete and study a thorough data analysis.  Using student achievement data and a team of invested professionals, we'll establish a plan to better meet the needs of all learners.  I will encourage my staff to participate in professional learning communities to foster a more supportive, collaborative working environment and promote best practices in the classroom.  Finally, I will hold myself and my administrative team accountable, requiring us to stay current in educational trends, including technology integration and 21st century skills. 

This course has allowed me to take time and investigate the practices of experienced, educational leaders and create a plan of action for if and when I become a school administrator.  Because the data analysis aspects of the course were authentic and based on my home school, the course assignments were practical, even in my role as a classroom teacher.  Many of the leadership skills I learned can also be applied to my current professional role, especially those regarding professional learning communities and collaborative partnerships with the community.  While I can't establish a whole school mandate for professional learning communities, I can work in partnership with my colleagues to complete lesson studies and implement emerging educational trends.  Now that I am aware of its affects on student achievement, I will make a concentrated effort to strengthen my community and parent relationships.  I will increase and broaden my communication efforts in order to improve school climate.   I hope to continue allotting time in my schedule to read and investigate the research on school programs and leadership techniques.  If and when I do consider becoming school administrator, I understand the tremendous responsibility it involves and would only pursue the position if I knew I had the tools and knowledge to succeed.