Reflection on Competency Self Assessment:
As I reflect on the self-assessment, I am struck by how much confidence I have gained in each of the superintendent competencies. I have gained even more confidence after experiencing the coursework in the superintendents’ preparation program, even in the areas which I rated as a strengths in May 2011. Competencies 4, 5, 8, and 10 remain my lowest rated competencies and provide the greatest opportunities for growth. I attribute the low ratings to my lack of experience at the stated expectations in my current capacity as a campus level leader. I am particularly confident in competencies 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 as these responsibilities closely resemble campus level responsibilities. I also consider myself strong in competency nine since I have experience participating in district level planning for facilities and am currently responsible for supervision of maintenance operations at my campus. I found it interesting that I did not rate any competencies as “in need of improvement.” I do not want to give the impression that I think there is nothing for me to learn in these areas but rather that I feel that I could take an entry level district leadership position and feel comfortable enough in my knowledge base to be successful as I “learn the ropes.”
Position Goal:
When considering the career positions I wish to pursue in education, I pause when considering moving beyond the campus leadership position of principal. I believe this position to be the most influential for effecting real change in education. It is close enough to the classroom to continue to have meaningful and regular contact with students and it is close enough to the district level to effect policies and procedures that will influence the ability to implement change at the campus level. I cannot think of a position that is more pivotal to the success of a campus as a whole. But I also feel the drive to move to a district position that influences larger operations of the district. Those who have proven leadership abilities at a campus level have a responsibility to move to higher echelons of leadership in order to shape the future of our profession. If not the most capable and proven, then who will take that lead? But I currently I believe that my ultimate position, for now, is campus principal. Once I have served as a successful campus principal who is knowledgeable in district level operations and can work that system for the good of the students in my charge, I may change my ultimate goal. But for now, I feel it is important to be a successful assistant principal and then take the helm as principal. When I have worked to success in these two roles, I will feel prepared to move ahead to either lead at the district level or to become a professor and trainer of teachers or of future principals. Experience, success, and continuous education are the key to preparation for any of these roles.
Leadership Goal:
I feel called to lead in the world of education because I have a vision of what public education can and should be for every student. I have been taught and trained by quality leaders who have instilled and developed in me a very idealistic and optimistic philosophy about the potential of each student. I feel that I have a responsibility to lead because I have been blessed with certain skills and abilities that lend themselves to governance in the unique field of educational leadership. As a leader in public education, I want to lead a campus that boasts high achievement for all students, regardless of each student’s economic status, ethnic background, or cultural differences. In order to lead a campus, I believe it is important to know the intricacies of leadership at the next level in order to understand the most effective ways to martial resources for my campus. I also believe that a campus principal should be able to serve as an effective advocate of public education in general. The superintendent preparation courses have allowed me an understanding of how education fits in the larger context of our socio-political world. This has prepared me to be an effective advocate for Public education.
