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A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen P. Probert

Graduate Research Papers

The complexity of the principalship is staggering. The intensity of the various roles and expectations are immense. As schools are asked to do more, so are their principals. Elementary principals on any given morning may attend IBP meetings, counsel distraught parents, meet with the central administration, comfort troubled students, remedy leaking roofs, answer staff inquiries, and observe lessons in classrooms.

To say the principalship is multi-faceted oversimplifies the demands and responsibilities of the leadership role. It is not just the managerial tasks which complicate the lives of principals. They must also possess moral fiber. Values, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Amy Rallis

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that competent and effective administrators must possess and clearly demonstrate all six of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) representative of exemplary education. Effective administrators are organized, efficient, interact well with everyone in a professional manner, and are personal. An effective administrator interacts effectively with everyone in the building. They are knowledgeable about topics and are good listeners. I value these components in any job, but most importantly in principals I interact with as a teacher. Highly effective administrators are open-minded, but also have a tendency to stick to the task at hand.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gary D. Rippentrop

Graduate Research Papers

School leaders are put in a position of educating the community's most valuable asset, their children. School leaders must live their lives by the highest ethical standards to demonstrate to the community the importance of the district children's education.

A school leader needs to have a vision of what the school should exemplify in future years. Students should not only learn the academics, but should also learn to be good citizens. To be good citizens, the students of today must have knowledge of where our country has been in the past to better understand what we stand for today. To …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gregory B. Semler

Graduate Research Papers

The principal plays a pivotal role in developing and unifying the core beliefs of a staff to put children first. At the heart of the school's philosophy there should be the core belief that students come first. Benefiting students must be the focus or foundation for all decisions made in relationship to the operation of a school. The Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) are excellent guidelines to be utilized when creating an instructional environment that benefits students. The strength of ISSL is they are guidelines that provide direction; an infrastructure that can be used in any school environment. Regardless …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Timothy D. Hejhal

Graduate Research Papers

There are many personal traits that have been found universally among effective leaders. Intelligence, self-reflection, honesty and not being afraid to seek assistance when confronted with difficult problems are examples of these traits. Effective leaders must have inherent "people skills". They must have a genuine interest in and awareness of the needs of others. Emotional balance and remaining rational in times of conflict, crisis, or challenging circumstances are all positive personal attributes essential of effective leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michael J. Panoch

Graduate Research Papers

My decisions to teach, and to now become, an administrator has received much thought. This thinking has caused me to evaluate my personal value system, identifying the beliefs that are important to me. This reflection has also identified individuals that have had an impact on the development of my value system. These people have molded, formed, shaped me into the person writing this today. The lessons have been many.

A Preferred Vision For Administering K-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Victoria L. Connelly

Graduate Research Papers

A few important beliefs have become the cornerstones of my philosophy of education. These beliefs include the need to develop collaborative relationships within the school community, create a positive climate, and to always remember that student learning is the ultimate goal for educators. In order to build the constructive relationships upon which success can be built, a leader must be able to communicate. A school leader who demonstrates communication skills encourages the development of a positive school climate where there is respect and discipline. Educators should enhance the feeling of success, achievement, and caring in a school climate by establishing …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Lucy M. Evans

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that every child born into the world deserves, as their unalienable right, an equal opportunity to a quality education as promised by the United States Congress in 1981. This promise can only be accomplished by maintaining the belief that every child can and will learn if given the opportunity. I believe that within the mind of a child is a natural curiosity about this great world that can through proper nurturing continue throughout their lives.

The atmosphere in the school community should be one of caring and acceptance. Plants and animals cannot grow without proper care and nourishment …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Christopher J. Hoover

Graduate Research Papers

What exactly makes a successful instructional leader? According to Hilliard (2000), a successful instructional leader is one who works at, "earning and sustaining trust, listening actively, mastering timing, conveying a sense of sincere caring, formulating ideas clearly and succinctly, transmitting sympathy and empathy as needed" (p.157). Simple possession of these qualities however, does not predetermine success. To be successful the instructional leader must combine personal beliefs with these qualities to promote advancement in the school and the community.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Andrew Merritt

Graduate Research Papers

The vision and mission a school community creates is the path and object of an administrator's position in a particular school district. The vision and mission is a foundation for the house and the beginning point of the road map. The vision is the idealized dream almost reachable, albeit reasonable enough for an attempt to reach. The vision should be shared and agreed upon by the community. Unique and culture driven, the vision needs to be the mirror of the culture's needs.

The most important passion an educator or administrator can feel is purpose. An institution's vision should give real …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Timothy S. Harvey

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this reflective research paper is to articulate my fundamental values and beliefs that will guide me as I prepare to enter the professional field of educational administration. I will begin with a general overview of what brought me to this point in my life. The paper will then examine specific values and beliefs identified in the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards, (ISLLC), of Visionary Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Collaborative Leadership, Ethical Leadership and Political Leadership. My goal is to exhibit these leadership standards throughout my educational career.

A Vision To Lead Elementary School : A Reflective Research Paper, Chad D. Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a characteristic in which I believe strongly. I would rather initiate an idea than just be a follower of one. I have shown this with my current role as a teacher, and feel that I can make a smooth transition into the position of administrator. I have identified personal characteristics that I believe will make me an effective leader. Through my experiences and my character I will be able to lead an elementary school effectively and efficiently. I will lead and instruct the teachers into a direction of great achievement. Together we will create a safe and fun …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools, Christopher Cruise

Graduate Research Papers

There are many different characteristics that contribute to being an effective administrator. I believe an administrator must have a vision for his/her school. He or she must strive to constantly improve the educational experience for students by building a strong cultural community within the school that makes every student feel welcome. An administrator must work well with many different types of people within the school and community and must be willing to serve on many different committees to open lines of communication with all of the student body.

An administrator needs to surround himself with good people who share his …

An Administrator's Vision For Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Natalie A. Franke

Graduate Research Papers

A successful educational leader must have a passion for education and be an advocate for children. A well-rounded leader exhibits traits from all six Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL). Having clear high expectations and setting clearly understood goals will help lead a school in the right direction. Clear expectations and goals will ensure that the learning climate and culture in the building will be supportive, caring, safe, and positive. Students and their families will feel a belonging and want to stay. Collaboration will be a priority for everyone. Working together as a team will create a positive learning atmosphere …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Amy Josephine Moine

Graduate Research Papers

To take on the role as a leader in education will not be an easy task. Administrators will be held to high standards in visionary, instructional, organizational, ethical, political, and collaborative leadership. In order to meet and/or exceed these standards I will depend on my skills in building positive relationships with all people and taking the right steps to build a school with a reputation of excellence.

Issl Standards : Tools For An Effective Educational Leader, Kimberly R. Latusick

Graduate Research Papers

The Iowa Standards for School Leadership (ISSL) provide an educational leader with the essential tools to construct a strong educational structure. These tools are used to actively engage everyone in the building process. The six ISSL Standards: Visionary, Instructional, Organizational, Collaborative, Ethical, and Political Leadership, serve as a blueprint to gain knowledge and develop attributes appropriate to the role of a building principal.

This essay reflects on how I have incorporated the ISSL Standards into my role as educator and future administrator. The practicum experiences, course-related work, and visionary expectations have allowed me to understand the importance of being an …

A Reflective Essay About Philosophy Of Education, James Dostal

Graduate Research Papers

People are the essence of education. In the education and athletic professions people were and are the source of my ideas about leadership qualities. Educational leadership is significant to the organization of schools as well as school districts. This writing will reflect on qualities of leaders and my philosophy of leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Greg Fisher

Graduate Research Papers

An effective administrator has a passion for assisting children in their educational growth. Administrators strive for a quality, equitable and applicable education for all children. Leadership is developed from the core values held by the individual. Values that are essential for a distinguished leader are integrity and honesty. Respected administrators have established positive working relationships with all members of the learning community, and they challenge each individual to achieve their fullest potential.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly K. Blakesley

Graduate Research Papers

The most vital role an administrator can play is that of aiding teachers to enable students to learn. This will be done through giving and coaching unselfishly. The need of an educator in any position is to pass on the key that will enable students to renew their faith and confidence in their own abilities. Once the student finds or accepts this key and uses it, they will unlock the golden door to learning--then the rest is up to them. The constant repetition of learning will be absorbed by that other mind of theirs, the subconscious, and eventually will be …

The Album-Like Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly R. Miers

Graduate Research Papers

Have you ever put together a photo album? One photograph tells a piece of the story, the photo album tells the whole story. The principal's role is much like that of a photo album creator. Principals need to focus on all aspects of the school. In effect they take snapshots of the school, collect them, and analyze them to ensure the realization of their school's vision.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven E. Mielenhausen

Graduate Research Papers

The world has become a very complex and dynamic place. Students today.are required to make sense of a world that increases its base knowledge at an alarming rate. These students have a general idea of what lies ahead of them when they become adults, but cannot nail down what future employment might look like. Fortunately there are dedicated professionals who understand the importance of an educated, informed and resourceful public. Educational leaders must gather these dedicated professionals with a common vision.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Shelly A. Petersen

Graduate Research Papers

The principal of the 21st century must be able to balance many activities to meet the needs of all constituents. In creating an environment that meets the needs of all, the principal must focus in on six essential concepts: 1) creating a team approach, 2) building a shared vision through communication, 3) facilitating change, 4) managing time, 5) creating climate, and 6) improving instruction. I am convinced that if a principal focuses attention on these six concepts he/she can create a vision within the school that centers its attention on student achievement. When an administrator does so a vision to …

Visions And Beliefs For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Janet M. Rohmiller

Graduate Research Papers

As I strive to become a strong elementary school leader, my emerging philosophy of leadership reinforces my firm belief that all children can learn. It is based on five key responsibilities: Effective leaders possess a strong knowledge base; model ethical and moral behavior; work collaboratively with all stakeholders; provide a safe environment conducive to learning; and ensure a sound education for all children. Rooted in research, study, personal experience, and reflection, these beliefs establish the foundation for my vision of leading others toward education for all.

A Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kevin Litterer

Graduate Research Papers

I have experienced many things in two years as a high school principal. I have been yelled at by parents and praised by others. I have mourned the death of a board president, a teacher, and a little girl in the seventh grade. I have hired teachers who are making a difference in the lives of children every time they walk into the classroom, and I have dealt with the stress that comes with terminating a teacher. I have had the opportunity to address the community in an effort to persuade them to vote "yes" on a bond issue and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian L. Ortman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of education is to prepare students for a life filled with decisions. Therefore, it is the duty of schools to provide students with opportunities to develop the skills needed to make these decisions. Obviously, students attend school to receive an education, but educators cannot stop there, they must also help students to grow socially.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Maria Trese Cashman

Graduate Research Papers

Monroe (1997) said, "School should not reflect what society is, but rather school should model what society should be" (p. 193). This statement summarizes my reasons for becoming an administrator. Iowa's public schools are some of the finest learning institutions in the nation. These same schools, however, frequently reflect the negative characteristics of society. Lack of respect, segregation of students, and elitist attitudes are prevalent characteristics of today's society and today's schools. I want to be a leader who will make the necessary changes to maintain our high academic standards for all students and make our schools a welcoming place …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Dan J. Conner

Graduate Research Papers

In Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction, we constructed a top ten list of desirable leadership behaviors: 1. Open door policy 2. Empathetic 3. Confident 4. Reassuring 5. Knowledgeable 6. Energetic 7. Consistent 8. Patient 9. Humorous 10. Optimistic. I believe that all of these are vital links to aspire toward, however, knowledge is the one attribute I needed to focus on.

Our society is ever shifting and we will always be in the catch-up mode. Schools have long been a pillar of strength in communities. School is where you grow up, mature, and develop an identity. This is not going …

Philosophical Perspective On Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Parrish Copeland

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership calls for creating a compelling vision of the future and developing farsighted strategies for producing the changes needed to achieve that vision. To be compelling for followers, the vision needs to be one they can relate to, understand, and share. Leadership focuses on getting everyone lined up in the same direction. Visionary leaders concern themselves with communicating their vision and developing a shared culture and set of core values. This can lead to an ambitious, desired future for the organization or team. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tonya Englund-Wilkins

Graduate Research Papers

As a principal; the ship should sail toward the direction of becoming a learning community. The community needs to sense the impact schools play on their lives and their future. They also need to find their role when helping to man the ship. After all, the only path to greater academic achievement is the one open to all in which students and teachers travel daily together. If the map is clearly defined and the course is set, collaborative schools can weather any storm.

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gregg Eschweiler

Graduate Research Papers

Without an educated population, this nation would not be as strong as it is, nor will it be as strong as it could be. We still have a strong educational focus in the state of Iowa which lends us to believe that we can stand alone. That might not be the case in the future. Our state, communities, school districts, parents, teachers and students must keep striving to be the best and not rest on its laurels. We can not afford to let a generation of our youth slip, while we entertain a policy of isolation. I believe that the …