A day in ” Mr.Roger’s Neighborhood “

Nichole, Lesley and I spent our day at St. Joe’s. We started off in the chapel for morning prayer and announcements ( amazing little room).  The staff warned us that we better get used to moving as Roger doesn’t stop ( running shoes would have helped) .

My goal with the visit was to get a feel of the high school , make note of the differences.  The admin team meets every morning and divides up a daily to do list – good opportunity to get a breakdown of the day. I wanted to see St. john Bosco is action .. took note of the use of space and layout of the room. For the morning we toured the school- I hadn’t seen the upgrade to the mechanics area yet ( much improved). Then it was classroom visits and past student visiting.  Every classroom had a student that I had taught in the past. Some have only gotten taller and nothing else has changed ( good ol JR)

We quickly realized that if we wanted to shadow Roger we needed to have GPS attached to him.  #ninjaPrincipal. When he was pulled away for a conference call , I decided to help out with gym supervision  ( which means I played basketball with past students ) finished lunch with back to Bosco for a lunchtime concert.

We had opportunity  to speak with Julie and James about roles within the school. They offered insight into the High school life. Challenges and struggles that make it unique. They both said  being consistent on discipline  and active on supervision help with the management of the school.

I was interested in seeing what pods/families looked like and how they would mix with a traditional classroom. They seem to have the same issues that arise from Mother Teresa being a dual track school.

I came away with a better understanding of the high school and what it may look like if that’s where my future leads.

3-2-1 visit summary

3 things I liked

– seeing many students of years past

– ideas for uses of space

– that relationships are still important at HS level

2 things i learned

–  you can either fight every battle or learn to accept that some kids are triangles and are not going to fit into the square peg of an Ideal student

– Most Problems just get taller

1 question for those with High School Experience? 

What is the number 1 learning curve about High school teaching ?

 

 

 

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Observing Teaching Practice

Anxious, worried, rattled… these feelings still happen after 8 years in teaching when I’m being observed. However, I see the value of having another set of eyes watching my teaching practice. If the right conversations happen they can serve as a tool for professional growth. I still hear the concerns that administrators are looking to evaluate/ critique performance. When I visit classrooms I am looking to see what I can learn from the teacher. What does this person have to offer the school? If the person is open to suggestions and values collaborative conversations it can benefit both parties involved. Frequent observations make teaching public and open rather than closed and private. There are differences in what a principal looks for in a general observation compared to a formal evaluation – in general what are the key “ look for’s”
– What are the kids learning and do they know what they are learning
– Are the students engaged in the lesson
– Who is doing the talking
– Is there a consistent routine established

What do you look for or want someone to notice?

The best professional development is watching other teachers practice their craft. I always like walking into classrooms and finding something I can use for my class. I like to encourage teachers to find time to watch a colleague in the classroom.

Helpful article on Teacher observations
http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin400_b.shtml

Yɘɒɿ in ɿɘviɘw

I started over this year. New Job in a new school. I would be lying to you all if I said I wasn’t scared of the big change. I’m blessed to be a part of a great team at MT that helped me with the transition.  This I took part of the new Leadership academy cohort— it gave an opportunity to learn and have meaningful conversations with colleagues from all over GPCSD. It allowed me to ask questions and ask for opinions from others in different schools. Leadership academy helped with Networking and professional learning but I also made some new connections that go beyond the leadership community.  Excited for year two — new learning and challenges.

All of us within the cohort have different strengths that make them good school leaders.  What we all have in common is we want to get better. In reflection and conversations with many in the academy the issue that we struggle with is balance. Walking the Administrative  tightrope/ tug  of war… Staff need you , students need you, community ( parents ) need you , your own family needs you.  When you have it balanced , you are golden.  It’s up to you to decide how to divide your time.

what did I learn this year…

1. Schools are like a diverse ecosystem – There are so many roles that people play in ensuring the ” system ” runs smoothly
2. Teamwork is key – find a wolf a pack.
3. Be flexible — No day is like the day before.
4. Everyone deserves your best … Just don’t forget yourself.

 

#Bethefilter

I missed the past session because I was busy ” snowboarding ” with my MT Snow club  (which to me it means sliding down a hill praying that I don’t fall ) . Nichole happened to miss it too . After hearing the positive responses from those attending we asked Todd if he’d come to MT and give us an overview of what he presented . Todd graciously met us after school and we had a great conversation about Instructional leadership , coaching and Dealing with Difficult people . Again Thank you Todd : )

The First thing he said was that we are not adequately prepared to have the tough conversations and most people are not comfortable having to do them . He mentioned that we should be formally trained to have professional conversations.

1. Now , Ideas – Where do we go for this Training ? 

Todd brought up a term ” Relational Bank ” and that we need to deposit positives and get a healthy amount in the bank that when we have to withdrawal with some negatives ( tough conversations ) it doesn’t  hurt as much because we spent time building the relationship. When its time, put all issues on the table and make it clear what is happening . Let the person know you are there to help and stress to teachers GROWTH is key. One of the best things about being in Admin is that you get to work with all members of a school community and have countless opportunities to build trust .

Being a new Principal I knew this would be an area to show growth and improve . I knew I’d have to make a transition from Teaching Colleague to School leader ; and how people will have different expectations of me . After the readings and Todd’s conversation with Nichole and I , I noted that one area that I needed to improve was being a filter to the staff. Every school will have the ” Negative Nancy/ Norm ” and these people will find others and unload their stresses and problems . I’ve tried to be a filter and “Protect ”  others from being bombarded . It’s a great analogy but has a harsh connotation, But negativity is like a cancer and can spread quickly  . However if treated properly its possible to remove it or slow it’s growth . 

1. Footnote: Thanks Nichole for the Edits and Suggestions : ) 

Be consistent and Show Professional Fairness 

 

What is your M . O .

“Whereas the fundamental goal of education in Alberta is to inspire all students to achieve success and fulfillment, and reach their full potential by developing the competencies of Engaged thinkers and Ethical citizens with an Entrepreneurial spirit, who contribute to a strong and prosperous economy and Society”

Whereas it’s that simple 😉 It’s a nicely worded document that tells us that we need to mold and create  ideal citizens that will be successful members of Alberta’s future. No Pressure right? It’s great that Alberta Education is seeing that change is necessary however , it’s a gradual process that requires all invested parties to be collaborative and understanding of each other …Government, School boards, Schools, Students and Parents. When an individual teacher looks through the MO it can be overwhelming. The order now in its 3rd year is still being developed through schools, some teachers have excelled at changing their styles/teaching mindset to fit student learning in the 21st century and some struggle that it’s actually the 21st century.  The following link helps to understand all the outcomes from the Order:

Ministerial Order on Student Learning

What I took away from the last meeting was what Shelley said to start her presentation about her monsters. They all have different strengths and weaknesses and they shouldn’t be taught the same way.

It reminded me that is was 3 years ago that my views changed on teaching ; When Shelley told the staff at St. Kateri … ” All students are someone’s baby ,  the students all learn differently and that you teach them like it’s your own child”

I have a child that struggles with school and I wanted to make sure that how I was teaching was going to allow him to be successful. I asked myself the question         ( “what can I do to ensure all students are learning ? )  When the MO on student learning was released it didn’t feel like too big of stretch on what I was trying to do for my own kid.  The hardest part is ensuring that all other people are on board and when colleagues don’t have the same vision for the future of education it leads to a culture of negativity.  How can we as leaders help guide those who don’t want / can’t change their stale methods?

The question I have for all is … What is your M.O (Modus operandi)?