Class reflection Oct. 21 & 22 Guest Speakers

EAD 269 Reflection                  

Guest Speakers: R. Row, Dr. Hauser, and K. Torosian                                                                                 

I wasn’t too excited about sitting in class on a Friday and Saturday but class was engaging with lots of useful information we will need as future leaders. 

Roberta Rowe from Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law, talked about some very important topics.   Various topics such as sexual harassment prevention, student discipline, bullying, and use of technology, student custody and gender / sexual orientation occur on our campus require administration to make the proper decisions when dealing with these issues on campus.   It’s important to remember that we must have probable cause when searching a student and document EVERYTHING.   I’ll take her advice if I’m unsure about a situation, “It’s always best to call the supervisor or resource officer and get advice on what to do”.   We also had the opportunity to review personal management.   Lesson learned……DO NOT hire weak or mediocre teachers because it is VERY difficult to fire a permanent teacher!!  Document, Document, Document and place in the teachers personal file to build a case against the teacher. 

We also had the opportunity to gain insights and strategies for creating effective meetings with Dr. Hauser.  Some of the key points I walked away with were; Leaders are NOT responsible of for doing all the talking, and PDSA (plan, do, study, act).    You know a meeting is effective when achieving results! 

Kevin Torosian talked about discipline that we may be faced with in our schools and the importance of understanding the Education Code Violations- 48900’s.    Some key points I walked away with were 1. Only a principal can request expulsion,   2. Write the letter with only facts, not opinions, 3. Do Not rely on hearsay only, 4. Do not rely on admissions and 5.  Look at each student individually (do not hide behind zero tolerance). 

CH. 7 Putting it all together

I have to admit, I really enjoyed reading Leadership Connectors: Six Keys to Developing Relationships in Schools.   I wish I could say that about all the other books we have to read.  Leadership connectors was an easy read, very relevant and put things into perspective the importance in building relationships in schools.   This book gave me an opportunity to reflect on the connectors I am currently doing well and those I need to work on.  Ch. 7 reading was putting all the leadership connectors together: communication, support, safety, competence, continuous renewal, and trust.   I will take the advice in Jeff’s story that his superintendent gave him, “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.”    One day I hope that I too make a positive impact on others as “Jeff” did as a leader.   I will take his advice and remember, “Leadership is all about Relationships”.    Great book and I really enjoyed reading the stories at the end of each chapter.  Now it's time for me to put them all together!

Ch. 6 Trust

TRUST

I   appreciated the statement, “We don’t have to like everyone or agree with everyone, but as leaders, first and foremost, we have to respect everyone.”   It is important as leaders we learns to work together and respect others differences.     We all come from unique backgrounds with unique ways of perceiving the world but we must learn to listen and be respectful of all individuals. 

 I found it really interesting how they decided to put “trust” at the end of the book because you need all the other connectors to be present in order for someone to trust you.  All the connectors start linking together but break without “trust”.   An important aspect of trust is “Honesty”.  I have a hard time trusting anything from people who are dishonest!  Once a leader lies, people lose trust in them.  As future leaders, we must strive to do everything we possibly can to build and sustain trust from our staff.  It’s important for all us to remember that trust is the most important part of any relationship; it the most vulnerable and sensitive.  With any “Good” relationship, trust takes substantial time, energy, and commitment.   Sadly, trust can be destroyed in seconds!

Ch. 5 Continuous Renewal

Ch. 5 -  I am a strong believer of the importance of maintaining continuous renewal.  Too often we get too involved with working long hours that we leave little time for our own health and well-being; emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically.  Being a leader holds many responsibilities which can be stressful and increase blood pressure, cholesterol, or anxiety.  I think it important as a leader to a) pick your battles, b) be in touch with emotions, c) reflect, d) value family & friends, e) find balance, f) attend Professional Development, and g) paying attention to your health.  Working full time at ASI, getting my administrative credential, mother -chasing 3 kids who are involved in after school activities, trying to get dinner prepared,  house cleaned, and being a loving wife leaves me pretty beat by the end of the day!   However, I always find time for my family and running to keep me mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.  When I come home from school/work, I try to leave it behind and spend quality time with my husband and kids.