A Reflection on my Intro to Principal Course

Kristina E. Bergman Dr. Christy N. Thompson
Introduction to the Principalship EDAM 27.521
April 18, 2011 Assignment #5
A Reflection

This course was very interesting, and I learned much about being an administrator from the elementary, to the middle school, and on into the secondary level. We had several different activities to complete, from the three papers for assignment number one, to the different and very informative guest speakers. I found the student driven reading Q & A sessions very informative, and enjoyed hearing the different opinions exchanged, with regards to the topics that were discussed. The presentations were all thoughtful, and refreshed my memory with respect to specifics about both the “School Dress Codes and Uniform” topic, as well as the presentation on “Creating a Positive Learning Climate”, which has been utilized in Salem City in the past. It encouraged me to reinstate that program there, as I have felt it was more beneficial to use the, ‘catch you being good’ philosophy, instead of the ‘aha, I got you’.
Having us complete the ‘plus/deltas ‘at the close of the night, was an interesting twist, and one that I had never heard of before. The Reflections, which you had researched and shared with us, brought to light what you felt were some of the important aspects of the Principalship. As I re-read each one, I can more closely understand the many facets of the position of Principal, and will hopefully be able to apply them to my daily interactions with students, parents, teachers and other faculty members.
Learning and applying the six ELCC/ISLLC Standards for Leaders to every paper and assignment I completed also helped me see the magnitude of the positions of both Principal and Administrators. The success of all students are shown from Standard 1, which involved the vision of all stakeholders; Standard 2, that includes nurturing, advocating for, and sustaining culture within a school community; Standard 3, promoting a safe, efficient and effective learning environment, based on the proper organization and operation of the school; Standard 4, involved collaboration with teachers, staff and community, being sensitive to the diversity of said community and the resources therein; Standard 5, stating one must be fair, ethical and have integrity for the students and community to look up to; and finally, Standard 6, which discusses understanding, responses and influence on the students based on world issues, such as political, social, economic, legalities and cultural changes.
As I had mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed the guest speakers you had arranged to come visit and share best practice with us. First was Diane Garrison, VP of Millville Middle School, who shared with us her meticulous, organizational skills, and reminding us to, “leave ego at the door”. She also mentioned to use the notes section on our computer to jot down points covered during meetings with students, parents and staff members. Document everything!
Next was another very successful administrator, Principal Arlene Jenkins, of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School, who reminded us to, “Let them know you are there! Be out in the front, greeting them as they come into the school, and when they leave in the afternoon, reminding them to do their homework, and include the Guidance Counselors as well”. She had not anticipated her total involvement in education when she was hired by Governor Kean as a minority aide. Eventually, as a supervisor, she had been the model for the state for seven years in subjects including World Languages, Language Arts and Social Studies. She also stated that, “…you have to be right when you make decisions, so check all for legalities”. Her favorite class to observe is the Kindergarteners, as they are so happy all the time! Be involved in as much as you can that goes on in your school.
Douglas Volovar, “the Hammer”, also gave us some insights on being a good administrator. Several times, he mentioned that his transition was difficult, and to get a good group of mentors around you for support. He emphasized that we research the district before our interview, so you can show initiative, and ask how you will fit into place as a team member. He mentioned that to be prepared for the position, you should try to have some coaching experience. You would then have experience in budgets, people and decision making skills. One should also be well versed in multitasking, as you may have to handle several issues at the same time, and do it well. He stated, “A lot of things are determined by you. People are following your direction!” Mr. Volovar also took us through a typical day in the life of an Assistant VP, explaining a referral from start to finish. He also mentioned that Special Education paperwork is “off the wall”, and is much different that general education. Rely on people around you to draw on for information about what is going on in the school. “You get out what you put in”.
Finally, Mr. Scott Shepard of Reick Avenue School was the icing on the cake. Not only was he a dynamic speaker, he was energetic and very charismatic. He shared with us his many attributes, successes and stories, and stressed that an administrator has to be, “there with them [both faculty and students], and be very organized. You also have to get people involved and get them to see the big picture”. Scott is a strong proponent of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), and brought charts showing a definite decrease in the amount of referrals for negative behaviors after he started the program, which included some bus issues that had developed. He stressed that as an administrator, one has to get out into the community and be seen at sporting events and even attend churches in the area, so the parents and guardians know you are involved and truly care about their children. As a budding photographer, Scott has taken many pictures of the students in the many activities the school has promoted during the years, and will continue this hobby after he retires from this position.
As you can see, I have learned many important aspects about the position of Principal, and I thank you for giving me and my classmates a glimmer of what it might take to be a successful and productive administrator wherever we may decide to take our new found knowledge. As a former professor of mine, Dr. Roy Dawson said, “Knowledge is Power!”, and I will continue to grow and learn about leadership.
Kristina E. Bergman
(Good luck to you in your retirement, and hopefully, you will enjoy your ‘recess time‘!)