Final Thoughts

Well, I was not sure I was going to make it to the final post of the program. I feel I have been challenged more than ever, and am thrilled to have succeeded. Taking two classes, doing a master's project, and working full-time was very difficult, but I am still standing!

I really loved the session with the financial information. I found it interesting to see all of the thought and balance goes into the finances of a school. You do not see that from the teacher side of the job.

I enjoyed the mock interview very much. It was easier than I thought it would be. It showed me I am prepared to go into administration. It was nice to get a feel of the types of questions asked in an interview for an administrative position.

Overall, I don't think the finality of the program has set in yet. I am amazed at how much I have learned and have grown throughout tho program.

Capstone Reflection

As I reflect on the capstone paper, I realize there is a ton that goes into running a school. A principal better know he finances, people, and goals clearly. It all starts with the people you surround yourself with as the administrator. Building and fostering relationships is important to begin the process of building a successful school. Setting goals in student learning and creating the means to reach those goals is the crucial part of the job. Looking at creating a schedule for PLC and collaboration among teachers and staff is also very important. I have realized that there is not just an easy answer to developing a successful school. It takes a lot of time and buyin from all people on campus. It is a process that is constantly being adjusted.

Budget

It is interesting to see all of the thought that goes into the school budget. I had heard my principal talk about categorical and flex money, but I never realized all of the rules that go into spending money. As a principal, it is crucial to be very organized, especially with finances. The amount of thought that needs to go into spending is unbelievable. Plus, you must make sure all of the people below you are documenting their spending and fundraising. I never realized the responsibility the principal has when it comes to the finances. I guess the best way to sum it up is to be thorough. It all falls back on you, and one mistake can cause a lot of problems for you and your school. Responsibility, thoroughness, and organization are all very important qualities to have when being a principal, especially when handling the budget.

Weekend Reflection

I don't know if I am more nervous or excited about being a leader after this weekend. There was a ton of great information, that I am still taking in. All of the finances are overwhelming. It is crucial to have a great business leader in the district to help with the finances. Also, all of the responsibilities and liability the principal and superintendent carry is unbelievable. It makes me realize how important it is to have a hands-on principal. The principal must oversee all areas of the school, though delegating is also important. It is scary to think that a school leader can lose his/her job because someone they trusted did not turn in money or follow through with something important. That brings me to the point that a principal must hire good, trustworthy people. It is critical to be able to trust your staff, and it falls on the principal to make sure to hire great people. I know as a future leader, I will be thorough in my work and make sure I have great relationships with my staff members. That will lead to a productive and positive school.

Weekend Reflection

There was a ton of information received throughout the weekend, but I am going to focus on the session on effective team meetings. Dt. Hauser had many great tips for when we run meetings. I feel my principal does a pretty good job keeping meetings on task, though they do go a little long sometimes. People tend to get a little sidetracked and side conversation then occurs. The agendas have a list of the items we are going to cover, but they do not go into too much detail. There were a couple of ideas that stood out to me.

First, I love the idea of having a "parking lot" poster in the room. If someone brings up an issue that is not on the agenda, it is to be written on the "parking lot" poster. This means it will be discussed at a later time. This keeps the staff meeting on task and keeps it from running long and people getting frustrated.

I also liked that agendas are to be more detailed. Breaking down the minutes. allows people an idea of how long the meeting will be. If certain topics are going long, the agenda can be used to focus people back on topic. I feel these two ideas will help save a lot of frustration and wasted time at meetings.

Trust

The book suggests many great ways to build trust in a school or work environment. I really love the part that walks about not gossipping. How often do we go into the lunch room or work room and listen to someone complaining. First of all, it makes a negative environment. Secondly, if word gets out that you were a part of the conversation, people are going to lose respect for you.

We need to make a conscious effort to not partake in gossip. We lose trust when we are associated with gossip. As a leader, you need to promote positive relationships. Negative comments and conversation will just deflate the morale on campus. We need to lead by example at all times!

Continuous Renewal

As a leader, one is overwhelmed with the amount of work. If you are not working on you own projects, you are usually helping someone else. I have learned over the past couple of years, from my principal and personal experience, that it is impossible to do your job well if you are burned out. In order to not get burned out, you need to pick your battles.

In the book, Leadership Connectors, the authors mention picking your battles as an administrator or teacher. If you knitpick every single thing, it is nearly impossible to stay positive and renewed throughout the entire school year. Many battles can be avoided just by being a good listener. Many parents that come complain just want someone to listen to them. Lending an ear may be the best way sometimes to keep from a confrontation.

Also, an a teacher or administrator, you need to keep a healthy balance between work and personal life. It is difficult to not get too caught up in the job, but that will also lead to burn out. It is important to keep yourself and your family as a focus. Many things can wait until the following day, however, there are nights that you will be working late on things that need to be dealt with right away. The key is to make sure you give yourself time to refocus and re-energize.

Sometimes the keys to being an effective leader are challenging to follow. Sitting back and listening is not always the easiest tactic. Making sure to take time to focus on yourself and your family seems impossible with the work load. It is important to do these things to make sure you can do the best job possible everyday.