The readings from this week focused on the role of administration in middle school. This was probably best through the online article, which outlined the key responsibilities of a school principal. I’ll be honest - before reading I was not entirely sure what a principal does (I am still not 100% sure), but I do feel like I have slightly better understand of what they are supposed to do. Looking back on my own experience, the principal was only ever there for big school events, or when they had to play the role of disciplinarian. My high school principal flipped everybody’s tassels at graduation, and I still wonder to this day when she said “congratulations Erin!” if it was because she actually knew who I was or if she was just repeating what she heard over the loudspeaker.
That being said, just from the readings alone it sounds as if being a principal is a very busy job, you have to make sure everyone on staff is committed, and looks out for the best interests of the students. It requires being up to date on research, and having conversations about with teachers who might not want to have them. While I feel that my former principals have not been particularly involved with the student population, I would love to know how involved they were with the school's staff. I am also curious to know how involved the principal is at my fall placement (I did actually meet them - I guess that is a good start). The reading from AMLE talked about how everyone should share a vision and work together to make improvements, but to that, at least in my opinion, they need a strong leader (AMLE, 2010).
Hi Erin! I enjoyed reading your post. I also have seen collaboration happening at schools I have worked at. The teachers at the middle school where I was a para really seemed to value their team planning time as well. I think it helps teachers to feel part of a team instead of isolated in their classrooms. This way they can bounce ideas and lesson ideas off of each other and feel part of a wider community. It was interesting for me to learn that one of the roles of the principals is to implement this and create a positive school environment.
ReplyDeleteHello Erin and thank you for your amazing post.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that in order to reach a common goal everyone must work together. Without having any sort of leadership either will create a much more obstructed view. To reach a common goal is to have a culture that has been maintained within the environment through leadership.