Updated Vita!

Norma Jean Penny

2025 Tipperary Drive, Deer Park, Texas 77536

Home 281-479-1716 Cell 281-813-0421

EDUCATION

§  Master of Education, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX

§  Master of Science in Guidance & Counseling, Texas A&M Univ.-Kingsville

§  Teacher Certification, Texas A&M Univ.-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX

§  Bachelor of Business Administration, Texas A&I Univ.- Kingsville, TX

CERTIFICATIONS

§  Principal Certification, State of Texas

§  Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS)

§  Instructional Leadership Development (ILD)

§  Standard School Counselor, Grades (PK-12), State of Texas

§  Provisional Self-Contained, Grades (1-8), State of Texas

§  Trauma and Loss School Specialist

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Principal, Carter Lomax Middle School, Pasadena ISD                      2007-Present

Assistant Principal, Thompson Intermediate, Pasadena ISD              2003-2007

Counselor, V.W. Miller Intermediate, Pasadena ISD                         2000-2003

Reading/Reading Academy Teacher, Miller Inter., Pasadena           1996-2000

3^rd/4^th Grade Teacher, St. Martin Montessori, Kingsville, TX           1995-1996

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

§  Texas Middle School Assoc. – Schools To Watch Team

§  TEA Drop Out Prevention Focus Group

§  Opened a New Middle School for the District

§  District Mentor of Principals

§  DATE District Incentive Committee

§  I3Grant Committee

§  District Crisis Team Leader

§  District Special Education Task Force

§  Standardized Testing Coordinator (TAKS)

§  Master Schedule

§  Extended Year Program Manager

§  Character Education Coordinator

§  504 Coordinator

§  LPAC Administrator

§  College Readiness District Team

§  District Curriculum Design ELAR Team

Presentations

State Level

            Texas Middle School Assoc:

District

            Effective Interviews

            Trauma and Loss: Trauma Response Kit

            Going from Good to Great: Creating a Positive Climate & Culture

Campus

            Rigor & Relevance

            What Great Teachers Do Differently

            Six Traits of Writing

            Quadrant D Moments

            PDAS

            Pasadena Plus

            Graphic Organizers

Professional Affiliations

§  ASCD

§  Texas Middle School Assoc.

§  TEPSA

§  TASSP Instructional Leadership Team

§  International Reading Assoc.

REFERENCES

Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent Pasadena ISD

1515 Cherrybrook

Pasadena, Texas 77505

713-740-0000

Troy McCarley, Assoc Superintendent Pasadena ISD

1515 Cherrybrook

Pasadena, Texas 77505

713-569-6792

Debbie Jacobs, Science Facilitator

Carter Lomax Middle School

1519 Genoa Red Bluff

Pasadena, Texas 77504

Toni Lopez, Principal

Thompson Intermediate

1309 Sagedown Lane

Houston, Texas

713-929-3850

Expanding the Vision of Leaders

As I embarked on my journey to broaden my vision of education, I pictured myself studying and doing a myriad of activities. The education I have received in the past few days, has surpassed any expectation that I had. I’ve learned how to blog! Discovering this new world of blogging through action research has been amazing. It has given me a window into other philosophies and beliefs of fellow school administrators and policy makers. I’ve realized I can be a blog reader as well as a blog writer.

Having viewed different educational blogs as a reader, enabled me to understand that there are leaders that have some of the same questions on various topics and we can share ideas/answers with each other. I feel that blogging will be a huge source of comfort during times of stress or doubt. It can help expand my vision as a leader, as there are hundreds of opinions to choose from and they are all right at my fingertips!

After creating my first blog, it felt amazing to fully begin to comprehend how leaders can write through this venue to inform the students, staff or community. What truly astounds me is that I’ve had a fear of creating a blog and in a few minutes of following directions all of my fears were washed away.  It is easy to create a blog and doing so has given me access to meeting people outside of my campus/district/state. Blogging will truly give all leaders an opportunity to  expand their vision in education.

Effective Communication through Blogging

As district and campus leaders consider relaying information to their stakeholders,  a venue that should always be considered is blogging. Effective communication through blogging sends stakeholders a statement that the leader has considered their audience. Educational leaders can provide policies and beliefs at the fingertips of the community through a blog. This allows the stakeholders to be a part of a bigger community forum. They may also further the vision of a district or campus in their blog. All leaders have the wonderful opportunity to use blogging as an effective communication tool if they choose.

First Step in a Great Adventure

Greetings fellow classmates!
As I post my first blog, I feel that I am truly stepping into the 21st century. I am looking forward to a wonderful experience and am excited about the opportunity to share it with each one of you. This will be my first step in a great adventure!