· Describe why reflection is an important skill in leadership.
In School Leadership Internship 2nd Edition summarizes reflection as learning to analyze prior experiences in order to better understand how they shape future courses of action. (p.106). As I went through my courses at Lamar it became very apparent why reflection is critical to any leader. It allows one to step back and review what actions they have taken or will take and how those actions have or will impact others. Reflection gives one the opportunity to acknowledge good decisions and re-evaluate areas that are a struggle. It is an opportunity for one to learn, grow and celebrate. Taking time to reflect forces one to look at their own beliefs and values and whether decisions being made measure up to an expected standard. Reflecting can be a second chance to get it right. In my opinion, the reflection that was embedded into the courses at Lamar was the most valuable learning piece for me.
Provide examples of reflective practices throughout this program citing examples from:
· Course assignment activities – There was reflection throughout the assignments, whether it was preparing to do an interview, working with a group or attending board meetings. The opportunity to reflect and write about my experiences gave me many opportunities to celebrate and grow in a positive way. I enjoyed working with a group in our finance class; it assisted me in getting to know my peers better as there was much dialogue. During that time it brought home the fact that every day will not be perfect for a Superintendent, however if one collaborates with peers and brings in stakeholders for input, there can be a good outcome. Another reflective opportunity was when I was able to interview our Associate Superintendent. Mr. McCarley went the extra mile and came to meet me at my campus. His responses to my questions allowed me to begin to get a “bigger picture.” The reflection after the interview helped me assess whether I wanted to pursue a Superintendent position.
· Blogs – When I started this journey, personal blogs were not appealing to me at all. I am a very private person and having some of my inner most thoughts out for public display made me cringe. However, once I made it through the first few postings, I realized I enjoyed reading my peers blogs. I actually went back and revised my vita based on the feedback of my peers and some of the different styles I saw on some of their blogs! We posted some of our interviews. It was interesting to read how various Superintendents responded to the same questions. That was a learning experience, as they each added their own personal character in those responses.
· Course and campus supervised logs – Great reflection tool. I enjoyed going to School board meetings and then reflecting on all that took place. This was the best opportunity to reflect on topics that we were learning in the classroom. During the state budgeting session, I witnessed how it can be extremely stressful to be a Superintendent. It made me ask myself some difficult questions on whether I wanted to pursue this venue and why.
· Assessments – I used the assessments to review concepts and policies for the Superintendent position. I would reflect before the test on how I thought they would ask questions. I would like to know which questions I missed so that I would not make the same mistakes again.
· Other intern reflection experiences – The web conferences with Dr. Creel have been priceless! He has given me many topics to reflect on as I shared my experiences and brought a personal touch by sharing his own experience. I enjoyed the readings, discussion boards, and videos all of which were used as reflection tools.
Describe how you plan to use reflective practice to improve your leadership skills – provide some specific suggestions for applying the skills of reflection.
I have made reflection a part of my daily routine. While it allows me to think about issues at hand, it also gives me an opportunity to work on my writing skills. As a principal, I have the administrative team complete a reflection once a week. They have to think of activities that went well and activities we can improve on. Reflection filters down to our departments on the new TEKS that are being implemented in classrooms this year. I am even having students reflect on content area lessons as well as character lessons being given on the campus. When we look at our own actions, it affirms what we do well and brings to the forefront items that we need to fix.
This has been an incredible journey and I can’t believe we are in our last week. I will walk away having a new found respect for Superintendents and true picture of all that they take into consideration when making decisions. While not an easy job, I know that it is one that I am better prepared for because of my experience with this co-hort.
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