2nd Interviews

2nd interview #1 is over.  I didn't get the position, but the experience was priceless.  It is honor to sit in the presence of fellow educators and be able to speak openly with them.  #2 is supposed to be tomorrow.  However, in the meantime, an opportunity has opened closer to home and it looks promising.  So now I have a dilemma.  Do I focus my time on the one closer to home or do I o ahead with tomorrow's interview knowing that I probably won't take it?  Tough choices. 

During this process, I've also learned the value of mentors.  Prior to Monday's interview, I contacted a mentor and he was able to help me clarify some of my responses as well as model good coaching strategies.  I've learned that, when I'm in the presence of a great leader, I need to take the time to learn as much as possible.  

Right now, I'm hoping that I'm offered the position closer to home because it would mean not moving as well as continuing to make an impact in the district.  I can see lots of value in staying there as I already have relationships in the community and I can continue the work I've already started.  I will still trust that I am going to end up in the right place in the end.  In any case, all of the interviewing I've done this summer has been valuable as I've made contacts, clarified leadership strengths and weaknesses, and am better prepared for the task at hand.

Interview 5 and 6

Over the last 4 days, I've had two interviews.  Both, in my opinion, did not go as well as I had hoped.  I felt as though I was stumbling in several areas, but apparently the committees did not have the same view.  I've been called for second interviews on both.  At this point, I can see several possible reasons.  One, the schools are getting desperate to get someone on board. Two, there were very few applicants. Or, three (and I hope this is the correct one), the committee was truly impressed with me.  I went into these interviews recognizing that, unlike other interviews where I was selling my skills, I needed to sell me.  The committee is not buying a bill of goods ( or a skill set), they are instead buying into a person.  Skills are necessary, but it is more important to have the right person in place. I hope that I can be that person and display the skills, temperament, and work habits necessary to be beneficial to the success of the school and every student in it.  If not, it is still an opportunity to get to round two and see what happens next.  This, in of itself, is an honor and a privilege. 

Interview 2

Okay, interview #2 (and, technically, #3) took place today.  Number two was supposed to be tomorrow, but the school called and wanted to schedule it over the phone.  This was a first for me, but a good experience.  I realized that, when you are talking to people with the same goals, it is easy to talk and share while not worrying about having the "right" answers. In this case, our goal is the effective education of children as we prepare them to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to this great nation.

Interview #3 was live and long.  Eight interviewers were there and each presented a series of questions, a few of which I was not prepared for.  That was okay because it made me think on my feet.  This was a district that I would like to work for and one that was moving in the right direction.  I was refreshing.  At the end, when it was my turn to ask questions, I think I surprised them with my questions.  The questions were geared towards finding out their perception of the district and to give me an idea if these were people I would want to work with.  Some of the questions included five year plans (which the principal was we'll prepared to answer), what the district motto meant to each member of team, and how the school was perceived by the community.  At the end, I was pleasantly surprised when I was thanked for asking probing questions that made them reflect on their own performance.  I was the last interview of the day and one member said that it was refreshing to end on this note.  

So, from my perspective, whether I am offered the positions or not, it is always refreshing to spend time in the company of other leaders, getting to share my own passion in response to their questions, and then to challenge them to reflect on their on practice.  That's what learning is all about, isn't it.

Now, I head out of town tomorrow to drop in on the phone interview school (see paragraph 1) and then it's on to a hotel several hours down the road in order to be rested for interview #4.  As I've said in previous posts, I know that God has a place for us and I am open to wherever it might be.  

Interview 1 (part 2)

In my last post, I shared that I was having my first interview.  After a 6 hour drive on Thursday, I was surprisingly awake and focused.  The interview was a blur, but I realized the importance of doing homework. I had my questions ready to go and learned a lot from them.  I also realized that I wasn't prepared for some questions.  This was a wake up call for more preparation on my part.  Overall, while I didn't get the job, I was able to get some feedback from the principal.  She recommended getting more leadership experience and actual teacher evaluations if I didn't get a job this summer.  

While I was somewhat let down by not getting the job, I have three more interviews scheduled next week.  One is only 16 miles from the last location.  Another 6 hour drive ahead.  

Getting the first job is supposed to be tough according to most people. I will just stick it out and trust that the right position will work out.  

One of the things that I realize I need is a network of leader that I can work with, bounce questions off of, and share resources.  I also need to start using social media more as a tool to learn and grow as I follow those who have been there before.

Interview 1

For the past few months, I've been applying for 3 to 5 positions a day. I've called principals and superintendents to follow up with no strong responses.  The normal response has been, "We've already got someone recommended for the position."  On Tuesday, I was completing a couple of applications and happened to return to an opportunity I had passed over several times.  That little voice in my head said, "you need to apply for this one."  The kicker is that it is six hours away from my current home.  Listening to the voice, I went ahead and filled out the application including sending a letter and resume directly to the principal.  I then reviewed the AEIS data before moving on to other things.  About 4:30 that afternoon, the district called and scheduled an interview.  So, tomorrow, I'll be driving six hours for an interview.  Looking back, I've allowed myself to get somewhat depressed at the lack of responses, but now I am encouraged to keep going.  This first interview may be the right one or it may be a practice for future opportunities.  Only time will tell. What I do know is that, with continued experience, I will be a great administrator who helps shape the lives of students for years to come. 

As I said in a previous post, looking for that first position has been a challenge.  Fortunately, I've had several administrators who have been supportive and encouraging and helped me with references and contacts.  I did make one blunder in that I failed to fill out the proper form with Lamar to get my certification.  This has held up the process and may be a reason there have been fewer responses.  As it is, I am simply going forward, trusting that wherever we need to be will be the right place. 

More to come after tomorrow.

Graduation tomorrow

It's finally here.  Tomorrow is graduation day.  This is the culmination of 18 months of hard work.  Now, the challenge is getting that first position.  Sometimes, I think the coursework was easier than the job search.  One of the things I know is that simply having a degree does not make one a strong school administrator.  So, my question is, as always, do I have what it takes?  That is the question that I am certain is asked by many when they are at this crucial turning point.  In reflection, I know that I could have done more during my internship.  I'm not sure I really understood what it entailed.  In retrospect, I would have sought out more opportunities for direct service.  Still, it was a learning experience and I am grateful for that.  I know, however, that being in the office will require adjusting to a very steep learning curve.  That being said, though, I am happy to finally graduate and get my degree.  I'm also thankful for all of the family who are here with me.  It's going to be a good day.

STAAR (Pre-Test)

It's 6:40 am on the first day of the second round of STAAR testing.  For me, this round is personal as my 8th graders will be taking the Science test tomorrow.  After five years away from the testing milieu, I now realize again the stress that is placed on teachers and students.  For me, most of that stress is from within because I know that the results of my students affects the school, the students, and ultimately me.  The knowledge that the results of my students could mean the difference between acceptable and low-performing is a huge load to carry.  I have a feeling that I am not the only teacher having these same emotions today. 

Fortunately, the real stress is now transferred fully to the students.  I have done everything that I can and it is in their hands.  Now, I just have to trust that they will be able to recall what they learned this year and, more importantly, be able to apply it on paper. 

Quite honestly, I am tired of the testing culture that has been created. Much of the real fun of teaching has been diminished in the race for the testing crown.  While I believe that accountability is necessary, I also realize that we are dealing with individuals who possess different strengths and weaknesses.  Many simply do not do well on standardized tests for a variety of reasons.  These same children, however, shine in other areas and as educators, we need to be providing opportunities for this to occur.  A much better system, in my opinion, would be a measure of overall growth on an individual basis.  Start the year with a benchmark and then see how far the students progress.  Measure overall skills at  the beginning, middle, and end of the year and use this as an indicator of whether real learning has occurred.  Until we take the time to look at each child as an individual, we will not be able to overcome this testing nightmare that we have created.  That is my opinion anyway.