EDLD 5399 Week 1
Position Goal
Career positions that I would like to pursue would be that of an assistant superintendent or director. I do not feel I am ready for the job of superintendent without serving in one of these positions first. I have been reviewing jobs on TASA, and the ones that appeal to me include a director in a large urban district or an assistant superintendent in a small to medium size district. The job in the urban district appeals to me for a variety of reasons. In order for me to grow as an educator, I believe it would be helpful to be in a position where I have the least experience. A large urban district could provide that for me since I have only 1 year of experience in that area. I could learn more about issues I have never really had to address: management of a large number of schools, extensive diversity, economies of scale, etc. The position of an assistant superintendent in a smaller district also appeals to me. Having experienced the blessing of working at a large, competitive, and highly successful high school, I have a stronger foundation for working in a smaller district as an assistant superintendent. While I understand that the learning curve would still be steep, I believe it would not be a huge transition for me to make. My role as a department chair for a small department and for a larger department has prepared me for working with a team toward a common goal. I was fortunate enough to be part of a charter staff and help open a new high school. I have served as VAC Coordinator at the high school level in a small rural district. I have experienced another construction phase in addition to serving on many committees which include, but are not limited to, policy review, interviews for key district positions, budget committees, strategic planning, bond committees and leadership. These learning opportunities, coupled with my online learning experiences with Lamar, have helped me become a stronger leader who is more informed and knowledgeable about issues in education that can help our students be more successful.
Leadership Goal
I have often asked myself the question “why do I want to lead?” I ask myself this question most often when I am struggling with an issue that doesn’t seem to have an easy answer. Perhaps it is because I struggle with these issues that I feel I must lead. If I leave decisions and actions for others, I would feel I have not done my part to improve conditions for all.
I truly believe that serving as an educator is a calling. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone should do it. There are days when I’m not even sure I should be following the call. It is only through my faith that I believe there is a purpose for my answering the call. My prayer is that I make a difference in someone’s life because of the decisions I make and the way I lead. I am humbled by the opportunity to make that difference and, through my leadership, allow others to make a difference. I have been blessed by observing and learning from some of the best educators and leaders I know. I have learned from them and been mentored by them. They have provided me with outstanding opportunities to learn and grow and give back.
As a leader, I hope to accomplish motivating others to lead. I am a very collaborative leader. I realize that can be frustrating to some, but I truly believe that ownership in decisions provides motivation to succeed. I believe that through collaborating, people learn conflict management skills, presentation skills, and gain greater perspective on issues. I would hope that others gain confidence, learn more about the issues, and use that knowledge to help create change for improvement.
The accomplishments during my internship that have prepared me to lead school improvement are more internal than external. I have grown in my understanding of the delicate relationship between the board and the Superintendent. I have gained a stronger appreciation of having a competent team to provide their leadership in areas of finance, policy, human resources and facilities. My observations of and conversations with the superintendent about the various political, community, and media arena that he must juggle have made me realize the importance of strong communication skills, strong ethics, and time management. I believe that these internal reflections will help me become a better leader and stronger advocate for school improvement.
Gredat job on your Career and Leadership Goals as well as breaking down your Domains. Like you, I felt less confident in the Budget & Finances aspect. Then again, I am not sure who wouldn't feel this way even if they did have experience in Budget and Finances. My Superintendent was brought in to "fix" certain aspects within our disitrict relating to Budget/Finances. He explained to me that he is deemed by most in the professional community as one whose qualites rank high in this area but that he must still be careful because finances is one that the school and business community value highly. Because of this, it is one of the areas that demonstrating a lack of ability to lead in will get you removed from the position of Superintnendent. So, I agree with your rating of your competencies.
ReplyDeleteAs it relates to your Career and Leadership Goals, you hit the nail on the head!! This field of work, like a precher, must have a calling and high desire. It has the ability to change people's lives and if the calling is not there, then it will be reflected in the district's outcomes and achievements.