I love classes that make you not only learn new things, but also make you reflect on yourself, your attitudes, your biases, and your outlook on various things. I am thankful for the required text for this course, "Practicing the Art of Leadership" for it has really made me take a step back and think about how I approach my colleagues, my students, and my job. That being said, I have tried to come up with some adjectives that I would like my staff to say about me one day when I am a principal: Empathetic, knowledgeable, collaborative, understanding, collegial, determined, vision-oriented, personable, and passionate.
I have decided to leave off adjectives such as authoritative, intimidating, and directive. I left these particular words off of my "word wish list" because I do not believe a principal or leader that have these qualities are as effective as they could be. Staff members know who the principal is; that hierarchy is set. Therefore, why barrage staff members with that reminder constantly? Instead, one should seek to have their staff work WITH them, not FOR them.
I had a great principal role model when I was student teaching during my undergraduate course work. This man is actually my inspiration that has led me to want to be a principal. One thing I really I really respected about him was that he was always "Just Kenny". Also, he would make a point to try to come by at least two to three times a week and to see staff members and student teachers alike and ask, "What can I do for you today?" This is the principal I wish to be. One who is in the boat with my staff, getting my fingernails dirty while working with them. I do not want to be a leader who is on a power trip who uses the authority of a position to do what I want. Rather I want to do what is best for my students and my school.
That being said, what are the top five words you would like for your future staff to use to label you as an Educational Leader?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
250 Million Less Reasons to Be Happy?
Usually when people think of happiness, they think of accumulating items, friends, titles, or wealth. However, it's odd that today I am actually grateful that the profession I love so much has lost $250,000,000.00 in state-based funding. It is odd to think that losing this amount of money would help any teacher feel happy; but, when one considers the alternatives that were available, $250 million does not seem so bad.
The Virginia General Assembly released their biennial budget for the FY 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 years. In hopes of closing a $4 billion shortfall, the Virginia General Assembly has decided to cut $250 million to Virginia K-12 Public Education for the next two school years. These cuts come on top of the cuts that were previously made by the preceding administration. Though the cuts are extremely hurtful and will cause some dedicated educators to lose their jobs, the finalized education cut is down from the more than $700 million that newly-inaugurated Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell endorsed in early 2010.
Even though the cuts have been reduced by $450 million, they are still at the level that will certainly leave local governments and school boards scrambling to find the extra cash or alternative means of funding to make the budget workable to continue to educate Virginia's children and young people. Unfortunately, I am afraid that these cuts could harm the quality level of education that Virginia is used to. Class sizes could rise, schools may not have the money for proper resources, and schools could fall into disrepair if the cuts become permanent. We can take small relief that the full $700+ million was not cut, however, we should continue to stand-up for adequate funding so our students can remain successful.
We as proud Virginia educators should remind our legislators what the famous Founding Father, Governor, American President, and Virginian, Thomas Jefferson once said in that the success of any nation relies on the education of its citizenry.
As an educational leader, how would you relay information about the lack of funding to all of your stakeholders? Would you have them be responsible to educate themselves, or would you take an active stance in providing them with information?
The Virginia General Assembly released their biennial budget for the FY 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 years. In hopes of closing a $4 billion shortfall, the Virginia General Assembly has decided to cut $250 million to Virginia K-12 Public Education for the next two school years. These cuts come on top of the cuts that were previously made by the preceding administration. Though the cuts are extremely hurtful and will cause some dedicated educators to lose their jobs, the finalized education cut is down from the more than $700 million that newly-inaugurated Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell endorsed in early 2010.
Even though the cuts have been reduced by $450 million, they are still at the level that will certainly leave local governments and school boards scrambling to find the extra cash or alternative means of funding to make the budget workable to continue to educate Virginia's children and young people. Unfortunately, I am afraid that these cuts could harm the quality level of education that Virginia is used to. Class sizes could rise, schools may not have the money for proper resources, and schools could fall into disrepair if the cuts become permanent. We can take small relief that the full $700+ million was not cut, however, we should continue to stand-up for adequate funding so our students can remain successful.
We as proud Virginia educators should remind our legislators what the famous Founding Father, Governor, American President, and Virginian, Thomas Jefferson once said in that the success of any nation relies on the education of its citizenry.
As an educational leader, how would you relay information about the lack of funding to all of your stakeholders? Would you have them be responsible to educate themselves, or would you take an active stance in providing them with information?
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