Monday, February 4, 2008
Mentoring for the Administrator
It is wonderful that most schools try to do a Mentor program for their new teachers, even if it is a poor program. It would be really great if schools had a program for their incoming Administrators. No matter how confident you are, as a new Administrator, you would have to be a little awed walking into your first administrator job. Being the Dean of Students the past couple of years, I feel, has sort of been an Administrative internship for me. I have been allowed to deal with many administrative matters under the supervision of my current Principal. I feel that I have learned many things that will give me a step up in my first full Administrative job.
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John: I also did research on professional development for administrators.
SUMMARY OF ARTICLE
“Career Chargers”, American School Board Journal, November 2004
Continuing education for teachers is an on-going training process. Best classroom practices are essential. Even school board members attend conventions to help them explore policies and procedures and goals of the district. What about principals and superintendents? They are the most responsible for the district’s success, yet most of them never get the opportunity for professional development.
The southeastern states developed a Superintendents Leadership Network in 1997. Here they gain insight by visiting companies and other schools while learning their employment practices and sensing their learning environment. The collaboration with other superintendents allows their position to become more manageable.
As the school’s instructional leader, the job has changed over the years. Since the NCLB Act requiring schools to better prepare students for post-secondary education, the system has to change. Superintendents must further develop their leadership capacity with the school board, principal and teachers, and the community. They must commit to positive reinforcement in student achievement. They should reflect on their own experiences by visioning the “big picture”. It is imperative that all superintendents participate in professional development to reenergize their position within the community.
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