SISE Reflections

SISE CONFERENCE REFLECTIONS
I met with my site supervisor this week to discuss the SISE and to gain information concerning his opinion of my strengths and weaknessses throughout the internship program. He was very complimentary and has witnessed the hard work I have put in to attain this certification. A nice pat on the back felt really well as the deadlines for the end of this course are quickly approaching. He felt that my strength was in Domain I - School and Community Leadership. I have grown up in this community and know it well. I began teaching here twenty-six years ago! Sometimes that is a positive thing, and at other times it is a negative. However, I have been a leader in the community and the school, and I a m able to mobilize resources, communicate well and interact with nearly all members of the community in a positive way. My supervisor and I discussed Domain II - Instructional Leadership and concluded that I have room for growth in most of these areas. There have been issues this year where strong instructional leadership was needed to implement a time-consuming curriculum model. I know I could have done a better job of facilitating this change with more knowledge and experience. I added this area to my Professional Development Plan because I desire to be a better instructional leader. In Domain III, we also discussed the need for further experience working with a budget and physical plant issues. He commended me on working with staff such as bus drivers, cafeteria supervisor and workers, maintenance workers and instructional aides. This is due in part to my ties with the community and the rapport I have with various sectors. I also have examined most of their roles during my internship and I have enjoyed supervising all of the staff. Again, I plan to further my learning in the area of finances. I realize the need and know I must get out of my comfort zone and be more involved in this area. My supervisor told me on more than one occasion that this is an area in which learning by doing really applies. I also plan to gain experience and skills in the area of construction, renovation and safety of facilities. There is so much to know in this area, but it is so important as it directly affects student safety and security. Again, I have enjoyed every meeting with my site supervisor and hope to have more even though the requirements of this program are over. As an educator, I easily realize the need for on-going learning and turning to those such as my supervisor that are in a position to teach while on the job!