Vision Reimagined

I will be a vice principal for a few more days. Then I will begin to wrap up this part of my career, and look forward to a new stage. I've spent so many days working on becoming an administrator, and a few years as a vice principal learning from my colleagues. It feels strange to be moving to a new school and taking on this new role.

I am keenly aware of the need to continue learning from the students and teachers I work most closely with, and to cultivate a growth mindset in my interactions with other colleagues. I think what is affecting me most profoundly is this fresh opportunity to recreate myself, to reinvest with purpose in my growth as a learner and a leader.

I am very excited to close out my school year with another visit to UBC to participate in the annual Short Course. I think it will be an excellent way to refuel after an exciting (but exhausting) school year. I look forward to making new connections and catching up with friends. I know I will come away with new eyes and fresh ideas.

I am interested to hear from others what works for them when they transition into new roles, as leaders and learners. I am eager to learn about the cultures at my new schools (2 rural schools), and find my niche with my new colleagues. If you have any suggestions or ideas, any and all feedback is welcome.

An Introduction

I've been inspired by reading several blogs recently. They have caused me to want to work a little harder at personal and professional improvement. To that end, I am going to work at posting here as often as possible, and share some of my process

Here is a graphic of some key words that have meaning for me:

I recently developed a 100 Day Plan (With thanks to the Mission School District, and the folks that put me onto this idea at the UBC Short Course, July 2010). I have continued to use it as a guiding document that helps keep me on track at school:

100 Day Leadership Plan

Principals’ leadership behaviours during the first 100 days of their tenure are critical to their success in moving the student learning agenda forward (Allison, 2008). Using what research tells us works in school leadership (Marzano, 2005), describe below three non-negotiable leadership strategies that you’ll employ during the first 100 days of the current school year to focus for your work with staff on the school growth plan. Examples of these strategies include daily classroom walkthroughs, double blocking for literacy, scheduled time for teacher collaboration, learning focussed staff meetings, etc.

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