{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"64704848","dateCreated":"1383524321","smartDate":"Nov 3, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"sblowe","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/sblowe","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/64704848"},"dateDigested":1532253148,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Sue - Week #1","description":"As with any promotion in the employment arena, when a teacher moves into the principal position, his or her responsibilities change and increase. Teachers are held accountable for the success of their one class of students and need to work in unison with parents and administrators. Principals are responsible for all teachers' and students' learning and must work in unison with parents, teachers, superintendents, and school board members. The amount of work and responsibilities are compounded. The delicate balance between home life and school responsibilities becomes more difficult because administrators must spend more time at school. This could cause stress for spouses and significant others as adjustments are made during those first few years. This "juggling act" can prove to be daunting at times.
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\nThis is particularly relevant to me because my own professional aspirations have been greatly influenced by those who went before me as leaders. They have instilled in me that credibility, consistency, and communications are important characteristics of great leaders in all aspects of the role of the principal. It is imperative that I am reliable and honest in all my relationships. I must possess and lead by a strong set of principles and goals. I must be consistent with my decision making. My communication techniques and frequency must support the school's relationship with the different stakeholders. There is a long list of specific responsibilities and roles that go along with the position of administrator. It is necessary to maintain a level of great energy and positive influence so I can be a model and build a positive learning environment for the students.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"66865156","body":"Modeling is definitely a big part!","dateCreated":"1383619395","smartDate":"Nov 4, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"63593194","dateCreated":"1378176152","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"Jenniferwi","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Jenniferwi","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63593194"},"dateDigested":1532253149,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Jenn -- Week #1","description":"After Tuesday night's discussion about the roles and responsibilities of principals, I initially felt overwhelmed and wonder how one person can get all that done in a timely manner. Over the last two years I have been blessed with administrators who are willing to share their knowledge of successful strategies to handle not only the high demand of work but also their personal lives.
\nI think for me this is a great concern. I have always wanted to be a teacher and have a family. After being a teacher for almost 10 years, I see how influential principals can be on their students, teachers, and community. I want to experience that type of positive influence on others. At the same time, in the back of my mind, I worry about the impact it will have on my own children. Right now they are 7 years old and 3 years old. I say that I will wait for at least 10 years before thinking of becoming a principal but what if it is offered sooner? How do you know when you are ready to handle that move?","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[],"more":0}]},{"id":"63589056","dateCreated":"1378159698","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"MartineSiravo","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/MartineSiravo","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63589056"},"dateDigested":1532253149,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Martine","description":"I was most surprised by the amount of work and responsibility that falls on administrator's shoulders. As I mentioned in class, I have been lucky to work under many inspiring, great leaders. Somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew how difficult it must be to balance everything. It wasn't until we wrote it all down on the board, however, that I began to realize the vast multitude of expectations that are expected of administrators.
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\nWhile it was definitely overwhelming, it was still exciting for me as a future administrator. I have always aspired to be a great leader, and it was nice to see all of the expectations that came with leading in education. I feel as though many administrators are taken for granted by teachers and other school staff. I couldn't help but think perhaps it might be beneficial for all teachers to take just the first class which we both did. (I also, however, think parents should take the same class for teachers!)","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"64645406","body":"Martine, I agree that there is so much responsibility that administrators face. Personally I've met some great and some not-so great ones. Since I've seen such a wide range of principals it has shown me what to do and what not to do in certain situations. I'm glad that you have had such great leaders to model for your future! I agree that teachers should take the first class that we did last week.","dateCreated":"1378162597","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"kmw007","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kmw007","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"64649892","body":"That first activity is always an eye-opener and I believe a very important exercise as we take stock of the varied role of the principal.","dateCreated":"1378173637","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"64650388","body":"Martine:
\n I think is was overwhelming to see all the responsibilities that a principal must take on in their role. I have been lucky to be under two to three administrators at a time. I have see how they can divide the responsibilities and identified their strengths and weaknesses. After hearing how elementary schools usually only have one person, I am more impressed with their motivation and passion to continue in their role as a leader in education","dateCreated":"1378174845","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"Jenniferwi","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Jenniferwi","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"63587588","dateCreated":"1378152049","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"kmw007","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kmw007","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63587588"},"dateDigested":1532253149,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Karen ","description":"Tuesday's class made me realize that principals do much more work than we give them credit for. They are continuously working throughout the year to make their school a better environment for teachers, staff, and students. Many of the responsibilities listed in class were ones that people may not recognize as an essential part of a principal's position.
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\nThe idea discussed that is most relevant to me for my own professional aspirations would be communication. Communication is by far one of the most important tasks to utilize with teachers, staff, students, the community, etc. A principal needs to be clear about their goals for the teachers and students, their expectations, and their ideas to improve the school itself. Communication works both ways and if it is a priority to the principal others will follow through. It can help with all other aspects that we spoke about during the class discussion, which makes it very important for my future aspirations.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"64644460","body":"I agree, Karen, that communication is so important! As I don't have administrator experience, I find myself drawing from my teaching experience. Parents are always so much happier and pleased with frequent (almost nauseating) classroom communication. The more emails, notes, and newsletters, the better! I think this must translate for administrators as well. I always find myself more content and less frazzled when expectations for certain school events, professional development, and school policies are clearly communicated.","dateCreated":"1378159811","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"MartineSiravo","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/MartineSiravo","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"64649958","body":"You've hit on a very important element, I believe, of the successful principal. We'll talk more about open communication this week in class.","dateCreated":"1378173712","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"64650258","body":"Karen you are correct, communication is essential to a principal position. What amazes me, is all the different levels they communicate. Although we focus on verbal pieces (clear expectations, emails, notes, and letters to families and staff) they also communicate non-verbally. I have had the same administrators for the last five years and have been exposed to situations where staff\/families assume certain statements are being made from gestures\/body language. I think principals need to be more cogniscent of those forms of communication. I know as a teacher that I have struggled at times with learning to reserve communication until all information is provided and not an initial response with emotions.","dateCreated":"1378174469","smartDate":"Sep 2, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"Jenniferwi","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Jenniferwi","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}