Wow!! I never imagined 18 months ago that I would be blogging first off, let alone finishing my last. It will be so relaxing not to have an assignment looming. I feel so blessed to have gone through this program. To be honest and I shared in my Ed. Platform and with a few people in my cohort already that I do not know where I would have been without the program. It kept me going when I did not want to get out of bed in the morning, go to work if for nothing else than I was paying for it and by golly I was going to finish my classes. Thank you to all the professors who saw me in tears,all the classmates that were there to help me and not just on assignments. It was like a family of support and believe it or not I am really going to miss the collaboration and fellowship. I can not say thank you enough.
As for the interview..lets just say I am glad I did not have Mr. Smith from Sanger I would have cried..It was a wonderful experience and very valuable. Thank you Dr. Wise and Dr. Buster for taking the time to organize the interview stimulation. We are all so lucky to have had you as our professors.
Best of luck to everyone!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Final Assignments
I should probably be finishing my Capstone assignment but I am taking a break to blog instead. This semester has been a wild ride with three classes including our Project, trips to Sanger and Clovis. I feel the program and assignments have been worthwhile. The Professional Growth Plan template was very helpful and in reading others blogs I noticed that to be a common trend, thank you Dr. Wise and Dr. Buster. I am still currently working on the Capstone paper, I will most likely finish tomorrow. I always like predicting what is to happen in the future whether it be 5 days or 5 years. I appreciate both assignments and feel they have helped me reflect on myself as well as my school as a whole.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Chapter 7- Putting it all together
Reading this book over the course of the semester has not only made me a better educator but much better in my personal life as well. There were so many great ideas and advice to follow along the way.
Chapter 7 really summed up everything. Leadership is all about relationships. How we are remembered in the end will be a great or poor reflection of how we were perceived and the type of relationships that we had with others. I have too learned the importance of reflection. I liked what Jeff had to say on page 144 " Always remember to think before you speak and act. You don't have to always say or do something immediately. Give it a little thought, determine consequences and reactions, and then respond proactively." This is something that I have struggled with and will be something I will be continually working on and being more aware of daily.
Great book, great semester and program. Looking forward to the future!
Chapter 7 really summed up everything. Leadership is all about relationships. How we are remembered in the end will be a great or poor reflection of how we were perceived and the type of relationships that we had with others. I have too learned the importance of reflection. I liked what Jeff had to say on page 144 " Always remember to think before you speak and act. You don't have to always say or do something immediately. Give it a little thought, determine consequences and reactions, and then respond proactively." This is something that I have struggled with and will be something I will be continually working on and being more aware of daily.
Great book, great semester and program. Looking forward to the future!
Face to face sessions 11/4-11/5
Fridays session started off with the review of our Credential paperwork done by Dr. Hauser. She is always straight and to the point. I appreciated her being there to walk us through what necessary things we needed to do to obtain our credential.
The panel of people from HR was impressive. I appreciated that there was a representative from Clovis, Sanger and Visalia. It gave us three different perspectives on what different districts are looking for in hiring as well as how to keep out noses clean as a site administrator.
The presentation done by CADA was of a high interest to be since I currently serve as the activities director at my site. It gave me some new strategies on how to do things differently at my site. It made me reflect on how my school was viewed from an outsider and I created a list of things that should be there and I am planning on presenting them to my principal on Monday when I meet with her. The piece about how important Activities is to a school site was heart warming, I just wish all site administrators felt that way. Students do not come to school to take tests, but rather to feel connected to someone or something and that is what Activities is for.
Saturday's Session:
To be honest the first part before lunch was much more interesting. I learned many new things that I did not know about district and site budgets. I had not idea about Prop 98/11 and the court case deciding how much funding goes to each student per school. It was astounding to me that due to our own financial deficit in California less money goes to the schools. The focus should be on preparing students and not taking money away from them because the state did not balance their budget.
The panel of people from HR was impressive. I appreciated that there was a representative from Clovis, Sanger and Visalia. It gave us three different perspectives on what different districts are looking for in hiring as well as how to keep out noses clean as a site administrator.
The presentation done by CADA was of a high interest to be since I currently serve as the activities director at my site. It gave me some new strategies on how to do things differently at my site. It made me reflect on how my school was viewed from an outsider and I created a list of things that should be there and I am planning on presenting them to my principal on Monday when I meet with her. The piece about how important Activities is to a school site was heart warming, I just wish all site administrators felt that way. Students do not come to school to take tests, but rather to feel connected to someone or something and that is what Activities is for.
Saturday's Session:
To be honest the first part before lunch was much more interesting. I learned many new things that I did not know about district and site budgets. I had not idea about Prop 98/11 and the court case deciding how much funding goes to each student per school. It was astounding to me that due to our own financial deficit in California less money goes to the schools. The focus should be on preparing students and not taking money away from them because the state did not balance their budget.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Face to Face Sessions 10/21-22
Let me start off by saying that this past Friday and Saturday were very informational. I feel that every part of it was worthwhile. I liked very much the presentation on School Law on Friday night. I do not think that some of the leaders at my site have as much knowledge that I feel I am now equipped with. My AP actually asked me for a copy of the information that we received this weekend because he didn't go through the course work he just took the test. I appreciated having the powerpoint slides while listening to the presentation that evening. There was so much information that was covered and yet I felt like I was able to actually understand and retain it.
Starting Saturday off with Dr. Hauser was so uplifting. I liked how we were in different mixed groups and were working on interactive activities. Her agendas are always followed and she is a perfect example of how to manage a meeting. I appreciated her agenda format that we go to take home and work with people from Clovis as well as Sanger. I also liked that we went over the forms for Graduation and we always know with this program what is expected of us as students." Changing behaviors vs. Punishing Behaviors" I wrote down this quote that Dr. Hauser said during her presentation and it really resonated with me I am going to put it up in my classroom.
The presentation by Dr. Kevin Torosian was very enlightening. I appreciated with all the presentations in these sessions the "take away" part. The small pamphlet with Ed Code procedures and guidelines is something that I can refer back to when need be. He was a very intelligent, blunt and to the point and I appreciated him not sugar coating anything. I realized that it is ALL about helping kids and that they need to be treated as individuals and not just looked at as Ed. Code violators. It is an issue or Equity and that will not mean that each kid is treated exactly the same every time.
FRISK- Facts, Rule, Impact, Suggestions/Directions for Improvement, Knowledge. I appreciated Dr. Wise showing us examples of what a FRISK letter should look like and the importance of the FACTS!
Lastly the discussion/presentation on the Fullen book. I loved reading this book and applied it to my professional as well as personal life.Dr. Buster said " Change is 3/4th of just letting go and that is the hard part and 1/4th of it is actually moving on." Once leaders/people can let go of the past they will be free to move on and start the change that needs to occur.
Wonderfully insightful weekend. Looking forward to November 4th and 5th.
Megan
Starting Saturday off with Dr. Hauser was so uplifting. I liked how we were in different mixed groups and were working on interactive activities. Her agendas are always followed and she is a perfect example of how to manage a meeting. I appreciated her agenda format that we go to take home and work with people from Clovis as well as Sanger. I also liked that we went over the forms for Graduation and we always know with this program what is expected of us as students." Changing behaviors vs. Punishing Behaviors" I wrote down this quote that Dr. Hauser said during her presentation and it really resonated with me I am going to put it up in my classroom.
The presentation by Dr. Kevin Torosian was very enlightening. I appreciated with all the presentations in these sessions the "take away" part. The small pamphlet with Ed Code procedures and guidelines is something that I can refer back to when need be. He was a very intelligent, blunt and to the point and I appreciated him not sugar coating anything. I realized that it is ALL about helping kids and that they need to be treated as individuals and not just looked at as Ed. Code violators. It is an issue or Equity and that will not mean that each kid is treated exactly the same every time.
FRISK- Facts, Rule, Impact, Suggestions/Directions for Improvement, Knowledge. I appreciated Dr. Wise showing us examples of what a FRISK letter should look like and the importance of the FACTS!
Lastly the discussion/presentation on the Fullen book. I loved reading this book and applied it to my professional as well as personal life.Dr. Buster said " Change is 3/4th of just letting go and that is the hard part and 1/4th of it is actually moving on." Once leaders/people can let go of the past they will be free to move on and start the change that needs to occur.
Wonderfully insightful weekend. Looking forward to November 4th and 5th.
Megan
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Trust
Just like the book states in the first paragraph "trust is the most important part of any relationship." Wether it is a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling, friend or co-worker there needs to be an established trust in the relationship. In order to be trusted and to trust others all other leadership connectors must be present, any/all aspects of Communication, Support, Safety, Competence and Continuous Renewal can be questioned if trust is not at the heart of the relationship. If trust is broken it will be imperative that it is quickly and delicately repaired.
I appreciated the section on respecting vs. liking. It is important for a leader to remember that they may not like everyone they work with or who works under them but there needs to be an underlying mutual respect.
Having a caring environment at work is important and I liked the suggestions: Greet everyone you see each day, Use their names when you greet them, refrain from complaining, don't engage in gossip and treat people the way you want to be treated. (126).
Perceived betrayal is just as grave as betrayal and needs to be addressed. I think I highlighted all of the suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and I will say that I used some of it today in dealing with a personal matter that has been lingering and it worked. Of the suggestions I personally liked: Never talk negatively about anyone, THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH(in all caps because this is so very important and something that I am really working on). Stay away from negative people, their problems, their messes and ugliness, Don't share your personal problems at work. Never lie and apologize.
This book for me has not only helped me in my place of work but also in my personal life, I have greatly appreciated reading it.
I appreciated the section on respecting vs. liking. It is important for a leader to remember that they may not like everyone they work with or who works under them but there needs to be an underlying mutual respect.
Having a caring environment at work is important and I liked the suggestions: Greet everyone you see each day, Use their names when you greet them, refrain from complaining, don't engage in gossip and treat people the way you want to be treated. (126).
Perceived betrayal is just as grave as betrayal and needs to be addressed. I think I highlighted all of the suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and I will say that I used some of it today in dealing with a personal matter that has been lingering and it worked. Of the suggestions I personally liked: Never talk negatively about anyone, THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH(in all caps because this is so very important and something that I am really working on). Stay away from negative people, their problems, their messes and ugliness, Don't share your personal problems at work. Never lie and apologize.
This book for me has not only helped me in my place of work but also in my personal life, I have greatly appreciated reading it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Continuous Renewal
This chapter I felt was speaking to me. It was about leadership but it was also a good chapter on anyone who is going through changes wether it be at work or in their personal life. First off to pick ones battles is something that any and every good leader needs to learn how to do. The importance of reflection at the end of the day to write down the good things as well as the bad things. Remember that each day will bring new things and focusing on the good and working to not repeat the bad is something to work on. I agree wholeheartedly that emotions cause people to do things that they regret. I have had that happen to me and I think it is important to note and rember the 10 things to help control emotions:
1) Identify what makes you happy
2)Determine what pushes your buttons
3) Engage in dialogue and reflection w/a trusted friend
4) Consider attending conferences
5) Concentrate on your own professional development
6) Take a walk
7) Be conscious of your attitude + thinking and pro active behaviors are powerful
8) Find the good
9) Be patient
10) Focus on organization
Lastly is is critical to keep oneself healthy and not let the stress any job or life situation endanger your health. Also surrounding yourself with friends and family when important decisions need to be made is something that has helped me through the toughest times in my life.
1) Identify what makes you happy
2)Determine what pushes your buttons
3) Engage in dialogue and reflection w/a trusted friend
4) Consider attending conferences
5) Concentrate on your own professional development
6) Take a walk
7) Be conscious of your attitude + thinking and pro active behaviors are powerful
8) Find the good
9) Be patient
10) Focus on organization
Lastly is is critical to keep oneself healthy and not let the stress any job or life situation endanger your health. Also surrounding yourself with friends and family when important decisions need to be made is something that has helped me through the toughest times in my life.
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