This week I officially started my post as the District's Alternative High School Principal. I am excited, nervous and uncertain. It is weird sensation being in a community for 17 years, knowing every nook and cranny, every student and family; and then going to no familiarity whatsoever. It's scary and I feel fully exposed and completely vulnerable.
I was attending a proficiency based learning PD session today and we were focusing on our philosophy of education, actually writing it down! I haven't done this exercise since I was an education major working on my undergrad degree. First, I'd love to see that old philosophy of education statement from 1993. But alas it was created on Word Perfect and I have no digital or paper copy available. But I sense that I've grown considerable in what I now know to be important in how I lead and teach.
This exercise also reaffirmed my need to reflect about my practice and leadership. As a leader I consistently set space, retreats and time for the staff that have worked with me to do this reflecting. With that process I have become less diligent in my own practice and thoughts on education. I resolve to get better at that this year. It is especially important as I take on a new role.
Through the work today, I realized, that even though I don't understand and connect with systems and logistics of running this new program yet, The things I believe readily apply to any environment. It's not a finally polished piece yet, but this bulleted list entails the philosophical framework I'm bringing with me in my educational life.
I was attending a proficiency based learning PD session today and we were focusing on our philosophy of education, actually writing it down! I haven't done this exercise since I was an education major working on my undergrad degree. First, I'd love to see that old philosophy of education statement from 1993. But alas it was created on Word Perfect and I have no digital or paper copy available. But I sense that I've grown considerable in what I now know to be important in how I lead and teach.
This exercise also reaffirmed my need to reflect about my practice and leadership. As a leader I consistently set space, retreats and time for the staff that have worked with me to do this reflecting. With that process I have become less diligent in my own practice and thoughts on education. I resolve to get better at that this year. It is especially important as I take on a new role.
Through the work today, I realized, that even though I don't understand and connect with systems and logistics of running this new program yet, The things I believe readily apply to any environment. It's not a finally polished piece yet, but this bulleted list entails the philosophical framework I'm bringing with me in my educational life.
- Develop the skills that create good human beings
- Love
- Kindness
- Respect
- Open communication
- Collaboration
- Active listening
- Positive Self Esteem
- Conflict Resolution
- Positive Relationships, Trust and Safety
- Embraces Diversity
- See through a Lens that provides students the resources they need equitably not equally
- Emotionally and instructionally (thirdly, when possible, financially)
- Recognize and change biases & inequities
- See through a Lens that provides students the resources they need equitably not equally
- Challenging experiences that are Passion Driven and Interest based instruction.
- Educator Reflection as opposed to student conformity
- Educator gaging progress and impact
- We support student change and growth through the reflection of our practice as opposed to expecting students to change based on our needs as educators and humans. ( i.e. I need you to sit still)
- Dialogue more than monologue, Active engagement more than passivity .
- School climate and culture are monitored and nurtured to support the wellbeing of all community members (students, staff & families)
- Allow the community to flourish through, engage in and experience fully, artistic experiences.
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