Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Diana Bobo-Campbell

Graduate Research Papers

It is the purpose of this paper to reflect on the principal's role in the following areas: (a) creating a safe, caring environment for students; (b) assisting teachers in 2 creating a learning environment; (c) engaging parents in their child's education; and (d) developing a learning community as an educational leader. It is my intent to examine the characteristics of these roles through my philosophy and educational experiences thus envisioning an environment that will ensure these efforts.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Julie E. Niemeyer

Graduate Research Papers

Any visioning activity must necessarily begin with an examination of where you've been, which brings you to where you are, which lays the foundation for where you want to be. Core values and beliefs must be identified, and they will guide the direction of the vision. It is with this in mind that I present my vision for administrative practice.

A Blue Print For Administration Of Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jay Goulden

Graduate Research Papers

Four main target areas will be presented for successful leadership. They are: site based management through shared decision making; staff development in the area of technology; development and maintenance of a positive school culture and climate, and providing a safe school environment.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Larry D. Janssen

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper I will address what I view are the areas in which a principal needs to be strong, in order to be an effective and efficient administrator. I believe the most important roles of the principal include: instructional leadership, communication, student discipline, and parental and community involvement.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David Kalkhoff

Graduate Research Papers

This reflective paper will address four areas, which are important components of a learning community. First, the importance of a positive school climate, and how this plays an integral part in the creation of the learning community. Second, to look at character education and a shift in discipline policies to help prepare students for our changing society. Third, a paradigm shift from extra curricular to co-curricular educational opportunities for our student body. Fourth, a look at educational leadership in developing the learning community.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Marshall D. Scichilone

Graduate Research Papers

As I prepare to gather my thoughts and to reflect on what I see as major issues and problems in our schools today, and my vision of how to address them, I cannot help but reflect on the last 30 years. As a classroom teacher for those years, I have come into contact with a variety of different administrators and nearly as many different leadership styles and ideas on leadership. I have certainly been shaped by all of these experiences and I will try to use them to evaluate the concepts and techniques that we have discussed in our studies …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gretchen S. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

Trust is the single most important factor in the legitimacy of an educational leader. Administrators can have a multitude of great characteristics from personality to organizational skills, but without trust they are not part of the daily, weekly, monthly, even yearly operations of the building. If the leader is not going to be immersed in the educational process of the building or district through positive relationships, quality communication and trustworthy actions, then do not be there.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian F. Krob

Graduate Research Papers

In a clearing in the woods, I see a bricked schoolhouse with kids of all ages outside laughing and playing. The sun is splashing down on the landscape like a blanket covering a canopy bed. The teachers are lingering around the playground communicating with each other about the day's events and the principal grinning from ear to ear thinking about everything around him that makes up this school.

This is a vision I have in my mind of the perfect school and the perfect administrative position. I also have to think about all of the people who came before me …

Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly A. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

An educational leader should strive to create an atmosphere of professionalism rooted in trust, dedication and commitment to preparing young people for an ever-changing future. This can take place by using the change-process outlined by Speck (l999). One major component is that the learning community must be an open system, include a representation of all stakeholders and be a collaborative effort. The other major component is the idea that the process is cyclical. Change is not a culminating end, but an ever-evolving process. An effective leader will facilitate this change for the benefit of all stakeholders in the learning community.

The Principal : A Reflective Essay, Mel F. Mysak

Graduate Research Papers

As I think of the principal my mind takes me back to my early school days. As a young student one of my earliest encounters with a principal was on a disciplinary matter. Even though the incident must have been in first or second grade I still clearly remember it to this day. Hence, one of my first encounters with a principal was a negative one. Due to the nature of the job, disciplinarian is one of the roles of the principal that I now understand. This incident causes me to consider that as a principal I will never know …

A Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, J. Lewis Curtis

Graduate Research Papers

The administrative leader not only has responsibilities for his/her own actions, but is equally responsible for the actions of many others including teachers, students, cooks, secretaries, teacher associates, and custodial staff. All of these workers are under the administrator's direct supervision, which makes it nearly impossible for him/her to know what everyone is doing, when they are doing it, and why they attempt to do it. However, what seems like such an enormous task is also the reason that administrative leadership is so exciting and challenging.

I will highlight what I perceive to be the critical elements of being an …

Philosophical Perspective On Education, Michael Doyle

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that education shapes our continuously changing society. We use education to grow, develop, and strengthen the citizens in our society. With the proper use of education we have created the possibilities for unlimited opportunities. I see education as a great challenge to shape our young people into becoming responsible lifelong learners.

Personal Philosophical Perspective On Educational Leadership For Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Deborah L. Padomek

Graduate Research Papers

Every child deserves the best possible education we can provide them. Burdick, Pond, & Yamamoto (1994) found that too many persons leave our educational system at both the secondary and collegiate levels unequipped with the vocational skills, the self-understanding and career decision-making skills, or the work attitudes that are essential for making a successful transition from school to work. It is important to teach students skills necessary for future employment, and also teach them the importance of being critical thinkers and applying previous learning.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Marla Marie Padget

Graduate Research Papers

The education system in the United States is changing rapidly. The role of teachers, administrators, parents and the community within this system should also change. This paper will examine my philosophy, experiences, preparation for leadership, and vision for creating a positive future for this nation through better education for our children.

The Administrative Role: A Reflective Essay, Donald R. Taylor

Graduate Research Papers

Like everyone, my experiences, values, and goals are the basis of what has become my philosophy of education. My philosophy of education, in turn, determines my teaching style and together they define what I believe to be the purpose of education. Knowing that philosophies tend toward the idealistic by nature, my idealistic vision is not intimidated by the challenge of administration. The purpose of this reflective paper is to identify characteristics that are essential for a successful principalship. I will also articulate what I believe about each characteristic, provide research findings to support my perspective, and discuss how I might …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cora J. Turner

Graduate Research Papers

What is Leadership? Is leadership the use of power and authority to make decisions? Is leadership a skill learned over time to facilitate the process of change? These are questions which must be pondered. 1 Leadership is a process which involves the skill of communicating with others through teamwork to carry out a vision. Leadership is an influenced relationship between the leader and follower in pursuit of a common goal. As the mission and goals are defined, the organization has the opportunity to become efficient and effective. The leader-follower relationship is based on influence, change, mutual purpose, and commitment.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michael Ward

Graduate Research Papers

As an individual practicing school administration in a small private school and a former classroom teacher, I feel that I bring with me a set of values and beliefs about education into the completion of my Masters of Arts in Education degree. These values and beliefs were and still are being formed by my upbringing, education and environment. As an administrator, I hope that I can model my values and through collaboration with all stakeholders of our school, use my beliefs and theirs to develop a vision for the school.

A Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Roger W. Francis

Graduate Research Papers

Being a principal is a very demanding job. All of the hats that the principal is required to wear means that he is being looked at for leadership in a multitude of areas. Some of which are not a direct part of the education program. Areas other than academics have an effect on the overall educational process. Maintaining an orderly environment, with a good staff, in a safe setting that provides needed services to children, can have a huge effect on the education of our youth. Thus, the role of the principal. in this process is very powerful as the …

The Role Of A School Business Manager : A Reflective Essay, Carl D. Benning

Graduate Research Papers

The responsibilities of a school business manager are diverse, complex, dynamic, variable, and vast in scope. Although the role of an individual school business manager is determined and defined by local district policies and customs, the personal philosophies of the business manager, superintendent, and board of education have a tremendous impact on the actual responsibilities. Situations presented in this paper pertain to Iowa public K-12 schools. References made to federal actions, or other outside influences, are made only to gauge and assess the impacts on Iowa K-12 schools. The personal ideas and feelings expressed in this paper are the results …

Creating A Web Page For The Professional And Scientific Council At The University Of Northern Iowa, Rochelle Lee Gehrke Loonan

Graduate Research Papers

A web site was created for the Professional and Scientific Council at the University of Northern Iowa. This site can be visited at www.uni.edu/ps_council. This site was created as a resource for the Professional and Scientific Staff. It includes links to payroll and benefits, along with background of the council, listing of the council members and information on meetings and monthly events.

The methodology used to create the site will be addressed which will include discussion of why to build a site, categories of sites, planning the site, the design process, design principles and the presentation of information on …

Elements Of Reflection For Secondary Principals : A Reflective Essay, Brian R. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

Are future administrators ready to stand up for what they believe is right for kids? Most administrators would probably respond with a yes. Two central questions that all administrators must ask themselves before taking that first administrative job: Do I have a personal vision of educational beliefs that are important for all children? Secondly, to what extent am I able to stand by my beliefs for children, even if it means leaving a principalship position because of philosophical belief conflict with peers and/or superiors?

A Perspective Of The Position Of An Elementary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Ed Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

As I implement my leadership vision, I will become the keeper of the rules; the protector of broken hearts and disappointed dreams; the provider of unyielding encouragement and relentless motivator to help kids so they can reach beyond themselves; and the helper of people to develop friendships and respect for others, and to become responsible citizens. Most of all, I hope I will become the kind of role model which touches lives and helps lead them in a wonderful direction in life.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Julia Burton-Varn

Graduate Research Papers

Whole language; inclusion; acceleration; best practices; integrated curriculum; back-to basics; Education 2000; Carnegie Report; School-to-Work Initiative; technological course-ware; multiple intelligences; emotional intelligences; multicultural, non-sexist education; and strategic planning are all educational issues that have emerged, submerged, and in some cases re-emerged during the fifteen years that I have been teaching. As schools embrace or reject standards or movements, one can ask if the quality of education has actually changed. There are frequent reports and articles concerning the poor quality of the educational system within the United States. A continual debate surrounds the effectiveness of a system and the quality of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michelle Elam

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my experiences, beliefs and other influencing factors guiding me into an administrative career. I will share my personal characteristics including values, beliefs and philosophies and my own professional vision for quality education. I will close with my plan for assuring effective administrative practices.

A Vision Of A Successful Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Gregory P. Herbst

Graduate Research Papers

Being in education, whether it be as an administrator or a classroom teacher, is not about "us" and "them". It is about "we" -- and what can "we" do together to make every child learn as much as possible? What can "we" do together to make every child enjoy and at the same time be challenged by this educational experience? What can "we" do to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and caring, responsible citizen?

Throughout this reflective paper, I will outline what I feel are some of the important qualities of an effective secondary principal. These qualities …

Educational Leadership -- A Philosophy For An Effective Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Steven L. Gray

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a very recognizable characteristic, trait, or process in our society today. We know it when we see it, yet it remains very difficult to define. Leadership can be an organizational function, an individual function, or a process that may take on different characteristics depending on the setting.

There are literally hundreds of philosophies/definitions of leadership, and nearly as many on educational leadership. The goal of this paper is not to give an all encompassing definition or model for effective educational leadership, but rather to simplify the characteristics of an effective secondary principal into four categories: (1) manager, (2) …

Reflections Of Administration, Todd R. Hahlen

Graduate Research Papers

A principal as an instructional leader perceivably means providing the necessary knowledge so that the school's academic goals can be met. Information is a key factor in education leadership. Possessing expert knowledge and skill in curriculum so that teachers perceive that their interaction with the principal leads directly to the classroom practice. Communication skills in one-on-one, small group, large group, settings move the staff forward in creating a vision that is visible and real so that curriculum goals can be attained for the welfare of all students (Smith & Andrews, 1989). This reflective paper discusses a variety of issues facing …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen J. Haberman

Graduate Research Papers

To be an effective administrator in the 21st century one will need to acquire help from the students, parents, community and governmental agencies. Children today are faced with so many complex issues and obstacles. As educators we need to take all of these issues into consideration when working with kids. We need to be thought of as the teachers of children, not a subject matter. Yes, it's important that kids learn the basics and that college bound kids are ready for there next educational experience, but we have an obligation to our community in helping in the development of their …

Admissions Policies And Ethical Concerns Regarding Intercollegiate Athletics, W. Andrew Hlubek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine admissions practices and processes at Division I colleges and universities, especially as they relate to special considerations and related ethical issues. First, I will review the history of abuses in athletic recruiting and attempts at reform. Second, I will provide more recent examples of abuses and reform attempts. Finally, I will provide data from an interview I conducted at a relatively large Midwestern Division I-A public university.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joseph M. Bearns

Graduate Research Papers

A principal has to be a facilitator more than a director. He or she has to work as part of a team and to face challenges with a "we" viewpoint rather than a "I say, you do." Not only does the principal of today have to collaborate with teachers, students and parents; they also need to be aware of the.larger community outside of the school. A child in the school may have needs that go beyond the classroom and the effective administrator will be able to call upon support services to meet the needs of that child as well as …