REFLECTION

 

Going through this principal internship was an amazing experience that gave me a different outlook on leadership. Growing up in a house with school administrators and having no interest at all in being an educator, I never questioned how anything worked in the schools.  I eventually became a teacher and after some time I decided to complete the principal preparation program.  After completing the internship, I concluded that all teachers should have some leadership training or get a glimpse of what it is like.  This experience helped me to understand the details of the entire operation of a school.  Sometimes as a teacher you wonder why your principal expects certain things from you and without knowledge of school operations it might not make sense.

 

I had the opportunity to attend and participate in meetings that I would not normally be invited to as a teacher such as campus hearings for discipline, budget analysis, grievance.  I observed how the principal started off the meetings, listened to input from attendees, ensured that all attendees understood the proceedings and the matters being addressed and how we moved to resolution and next steps.  I like that the principal listened to the concerns and input from all parties and addressed them individually in a way to create better understanding of the situation.  Meetings were conducted in a timely manner.  This is something I would emulate as school leader. This open communication and consideration for all stake holders makes the principal approachable and trustworthy in their eyes.  This has a positive impact in school culture.

 

Attending district meetings gave me the opportunity to see how decisions are made and the factors that are considered for the betterment of the school.  I attended a board meeting where a matter came up that seemed like an easy decision to make. However, the board members rather than go with personal feelings, took into consideration feelings of all stakeholders. This was admirable because whatever decision is made by the school board is passed down to the school and should be neutral and not adversely affect any one group.

 

Being a former hotel manager gave me an understanding of building facilities, maintenance and safety.  This is no different in the schools, however I now have a better understanding of how involved school administrators are in this aspect.  I observed how important it is to carry out timely emergency drills and the safety considerations of the children while they are under our supervision.

 

The most interesting part of this program was learning the Education Law especially as it relates to family law for families going through divorce and custody issues.  This is something that teachers never really must know in detail, just the basic notes on who is not allowed to pick up a child or should not be within 200 feet of the child.  In this section, we explored grandparents having rights, step parents, what if parents do not agree on the education of the child and so on.  I discussed this with the school counselor and she stated it was very important for the front office staff, counselors, nurse to have this information and follow up if there are changes.

 

Most of all I enjoyed planning events such as the safety week activities, field trips, multicultural night and the 8th grade celebration.  With a background in hotel management I had the opportunity to plan many conferences, meetings, conventions, weddings, parties and other celebrations so this was second nature.

 

Overall I would recommend that all teachers take one basic leadership course in their teacher preparation programs.  This will help them to understand why principals make the decisions they make and the process.  With this understanding it would help to build a positive school culture.