This course taught me a lot when I was able to interview
both of my principals. I explained the assignment to both of them and provided
them each with a copy of the questions ahead of time so that they would have
time to really reflect the answers to the questions being asked. They are both
great leaders and I have learned and continue to learn great leadership skills
from them both. Both, the principal and the assistant have such similar beliefs
that I have pretty much combined both their interviews. They both believe that
being a good listener, communicator and leading by example are key elements in
having a successful school, teachers and students. I know that whenever I have
a problem, question or just need advice, their doors are never closed: they
have an open door policy. From both my principals, I have learned to always
leave my classroom door open so that if it’s early in the morning or late in
the afternoon my students, parents, or coworkers know I am there to help them.
They are more likely to come in my classroom, than if my door was shut. Another
common leadership trait both principals shared was honesty and fairness.
Sometimes saying the truth is not always the popular thing to do but as long as
your are fair, most people are willing to hear what is being said by all participants.
I have always been an honest person but find it hard to always be fair. I think
every situation is different dependent on if the child has a learning
disability or other circumstance.
Sometimes students see things as not being fair but are not privileged to all the information. A third common ground between both interviewees was we need to meet the students individual learning needs in order for them to be successful. They both agreed we need more technology in the classroom and individualized lesson plans. My principals have provided much staff development for our school in both areas: technology and lesson planning. I agreed with both of them in this area, I have always met my students where they are at academically, though I am a fifth grade teacher many times my students are academically at a much lower academic level. I can’t expect my student to perform on grade level if they are not ready for the content. I have learned how to do a much better job of individualizing my lesson plans. I have a general lesson plan with hands on activities for those students that are on grade level but have alternative plans for those performing below and even for those few that are above grade. I think the overall theme is that all students need to be in a safe and loving environment, where they have the opportunity of being successful both socially and academically.
Sometimes students see things as not being fair but are not privileged to all the information. A third common ground between both interviewees was we need to meet the students individual learning needs in order for them to be successful. They both agreed we need more technology in the classroom and individualized lesson plans. My principals have provided much staff development for our school in both areas: technology and lesson planning. I agreed with both of them in this area, I have always met my students where they are at academically, though I am a fifth grade teacher many times my students are academically at a much lower academic level. I can’t expect my student to perform on grade level if they are not ready for the content. I have learned how to do a much better job of individualizing my lesson plans. I have a general lesson plan with hands on activities for those students that are on grade level but have alternative plans for those performing below and even for those few that are above grade. I think the overall theme is that all students need to be in a safe and loving environment, where they have the opportunity of being successful both socially and academically.
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