21 COMPETENCIES FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
1. Communication
Effectively listens to others; clearly and effectively presents and understands information orally and in writing; acquires, organizes, analyzes ,interprets, maintains information needed to achieve school or team 21st century objectives.
Effectively listens to others; clearly and effectively presents and understands information orally and in writing; acquires, organizes, analyzes ,interprets, maintains information needed to achieve school or team 21st century objectives.
Throughout my residency I was required to communicate on behalf of East Clayton. The email displayed is was written to an outside vendor requesting a field trip deposit refund. The field trip was canceled due to the closure for Covid 19. As the contact person for all outside of school field trips this was one of three refunds I had to request. These deposits were necessary in order to process reimbursements for parents.
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2. Change Management
Effectively engages staff and community in the change process in a manner that ensures their support of the change and its successful implementation.
Effectively engages staff and community in the change process in a manner that ensures their support of the change and its successful implementation.
School leaders must be equipped to manage new teachers and assist those new teachers through the first three years of their career. Part of my role as Mentor coordinator was to assure that Beginning Teachers (BT) knew where they stood in this three year process and to monitor their progress monthly on their BT Logs. At my first meeting I presented these teachers with a document that outlined meeting dates, monthly due dates for BT Logs and the requirements for each stage of the process. |
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3. Conflict Management
Anticipates or seeks to resolve confrontations, disagreements, or complaints in a constructive manner.
Transitioning to Teleworking during COVID 19 brought new challenges for PLCs. These groups had established norms for meetings during the regular school year but those norms didn't help them navigate the uncharted waters of Zoom Calls. During one of the first meetings I attended I heard one teacher, Teacher A, laugh when another teacher, Teacher B, was talking. It seemed that Teacher A was laughing at Teacher B and not in a good way. Teacher B immediately shut down. I contacted the the Lead Teacher and Teacher A in private chats with my observation of the incident. Teacher A explained that she was laughing at something that happened in her house not at Teacher B. I asked that she contact Teacher B and explain that to her. Identifying this problem lead me to propose that all PLC groups develop Teleworking Communication Norms. Using the Forming Ground Rules Protocol the team developed these New Norms for Teleworking:
- Respectful of Time - Honor set meeting times and acknowledge messages received.
- Professional Courtesy during workday.
- Cohesiveness - Attend all set PLC meetings and make decisions as a team.
- Be respectful of one another.
- Honest and Open - Using “I feel statements” to communicate.
4. Creative Thinking
Engages in and fosters an environment for others to engage in innovative thinking.
For the November Faculty Meeting, the administrative team wanted to allow teachers the opportunity to reflect upon their understanding of PBIS and the journey of East Clayton in this process. We did this by allowing teachers to create collaborate in groups to create Paperslides. This technique was one of the first trainings I received during my MSA program and I was delighted to share it with the staff. November Staff Meeting Presentation
5. Customer Focus
Understands the students as customers of the work of schooling and the servant nature of leadership and acts accordingly.
Engages in and fosters an environment for others to engage in innovative thinking.
For the November Faculty Meeting, the administrative team wanted to allow teachers the opportunity to reflect upon their understanding of PBIS and the journey of East Clayton in this process. We did this by allowing teachers to create collaborate in groups to create Paperslides. This technique was one of the first trainings I received during my MSA program and I was delighted to share it with the staff. November Staff Meeting Presentation
5. Customer Focus
Understands the students as customers of the work of schooling and the servant nature of leadership and acts accordingly.
Servant leaders recognize the value of teamwork and putting the needs of students and staff at the forefront. During my principal residency, I served in the cafeteria daily. I was able to get to know many of the students as I cleaned tables and was able to serve on the line when workers were in short supply. I also joined our Admin and Enhancement Team Teachers in providing our teachers Duty Free Lunch on several occasions.
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6. Delegation
Effectively assigns work tasks to others in ways that provide learning experiences for them and in ways that ensure the efficient operation of the school.
Effectively assigns work tasks to others in ways that provide learning experiences for them and in ways that ensure the efficient operation of the school.
Leading the Cheer/Engagement Committee during my Residency demonstrates my ability to work with others on tasks that contribute to the efficient operation of the school. The Cheer Committee was comprised of representatives from each grade level and our Enhancement team. This committee worked to bring a culture of positivity and provide engagement opportunities for stakeholders. One of the largest tasks planned for the year was our Winter Wonderland. This event brought the whole school together for a night of seasonal fun and an opportunity to visit our Book Fair. This committee was responsible for planning and coordinating the following activities: Face Painting, Cake Walk, Ornament Making, Cookie Decorating, Book Fair Stations and Food Trucks. This was one of the most successful events of the year.
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7. Dialogue Inquiry
Is skilled in creating a risk-free environment for engaging people in conversations that explore issues, challenges or bad relationships that are hindering school performance.
Is skilled in creating a risk-free environment for engaging people in conversations that explore issues, challenges or bad relationships that are hindering school performance.
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The ECES SIT Retreat was a time for the team to complete a Problem Analysis, where we examined data to identify the root cause to persistent problems in the school. During our retreat we were able to discuss conditions and issues in the school using the Five Whys Protocol. Using this protocol allows groups to get deeper into conversations with each why until they have narrowed the focus and identified the foundation of the problem. This opportunity allowed me to recognize the importance of providing a space without interruptions and time devoted to improve relationships that may hinder school performance.
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8. Emotional Intelligence
Is able to manage oneself through self awareness and self management and is able to manage relationships through empathy, social awareness and relationship management. This competency is critical to building strong, transparent, trusting relationships throughout the school community.
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I am a firm believer in the thought that leading others begins with knowing oneself. Identifying, understanding and compensating for one's own strengths and weaknesses is one way good leaders become great leaders. The first year of my MSA program forced me to come to terms with who I am and developed me into a better person. During that first year I learned my True Colors and my Myers Briggs Personality. Both experiences confirmed that I am outgoing, observant and and possess excellent people skills. I discovered how to use those strengths to lead others around me and the importance of allowing others to go through similar experiences to get to know themselves. |
9. Environmental Awareness
Becomes aware and remains informed of external and internal trends, interests and issues with potential impacts on school, policies, practices, procedures and positions.
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Recognizing and responding to events that impact stakeholders takes thought and planning. The closing of schools in March 2020 was an external factor that greatly impacted the state of North Carolina. In response to that event, Johnston County Public Schools Social Workers created this document outlining resources available to stakeholders for assistance during this crisis. It is imperative that school leaders assist in disseminating this and other types of information created by the district to the employees and the community of their school. By using the school web page, Connect Ed phone messages and social media we made sure that our community had access to this resource and others during the COVID 19 Crisis.
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10. Global Perspective
Understands the competitive nature of the new global economy and is clear about the knowledge and skills students will need to be successful in this economy.
My MSA journey stretched my thinking in many areas and introduced new thoughts I had not previously considered. Thoughts surrounding Educational Policies were new to me. Attending the American Education Institute allowed me to hear the thoughts and views of policy makers and influencers of change in education. As a leader, it is vital to know how to support policy change and to become a change agent. The presentations during the conference challenged me to examine policies at the school, district and state level and how those policies affect students and their futures. |
11. Judgement
Effectively reaching logical conclusions and making high quality decisions based on available information. Giving priority and caution to significant issues. Analyzing and interpreting complex information.
Effectively reaching logical conclusions and making high quality decisions based on available information. Giving priority and caution to significant issues. Analyzing and interpreting complex information.
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Making decisions on hiring staff is an area where leaders demonstrate their ability to use sound judgement. East Clayton Elementary experienced a high rate of turnover in the teacher assistant position for our Pre K classroom during my residency. We were frequently interviewing and seeking highly qualified personnel to fill the two positions. This opportunity allowed me to contact applicants, make appointments and conduct interviews for the positions. Once the process was completed, I made my recommendation to the principal for the applicant I found to be the best choice for the position. This task taught the skill of resume review, interview techniques and the steps of hiring by human resources. |
12. Organizational Ability
Effectively plans and schedules one’s own and the work of others so that resources are used appropriately, such as scheduling the flow of activities and establishing procedures to monitor projects.
As part of my duties as Beginning Teacher and Mentor/Mentee Coordinator, I created an Onboarding Document for all new teachers. The creation of this document was meant to alleviate the stress and confusion new teachers have when entering our faculty for the first time. This one-stop location of important instructions and information has helped ECES welcome the new teachers into the community and helped them navigate the workings of the school.
13. Personal Ethics and Values
Consistently exhibits high standards in the areas of honesty, integrity, fairness, stewardship, trust, respect, and confidentiality.
Consistently exhibits high standards in the areas of honesty, integrity, fairness, stewardship, trust, respect, and confidentiality.
Personal values and ethics drive the decisions made by leaders therefore leaders should display honesty, fairness, respect and confidentiality when making decisions. As a principal resident at East Clayton I was privy to confidential information about students and personnel that was meant for administration only. By proving that I could be trusted with this information I was able to use those details to make the best decisions for personnel and students. By making myself available to teachers and staff I was able to help alleviate stress by listening when I was approached with a problem. My ability to provide feedback that was free from judgement and fair to all parties is part of who I am and who I always will be.
14. Personal Responsibility for Performance
Proactively and continuously improves performance by focusing on needed areas of improvement and enhancement of strengths; actively seeks and effectively applies feedback from others; takes full responsibility for one's own achievements.
Proactively and continuously improves performance by focusing on needed areas of improvement and enhancement of strengths; actively seeks and effectively applies feedback from others; takes full responsibility for one's own achievements.
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Managing one's time is skill that all leaders must have when running a school. There will always be more tasks to complete than hours in the day so learning to identify what is Important and Urgent is a must. Completing my Daily Residency Log and reflecting on the implications of where my time was spent became an activity that I looked forward to each week. During those reflective times it became apparent that there will always be areas that outweigh others in time allotment. Those areas may vary week to week and constant reflection can help leaders make changes to ensure that all needs are met.
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15. Responsiveness
Does not leave issues, inquiries or requirements for information go unattended. Creates a clearly delineated structure for responding to requests/situations in an expedient manner.
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School Leaders must plan for employees who begin working after the school year has started. My principal mentor gave me the task of Onboarding these new employees during my residency. This opportunity allowed me to create a one stop document for All Things East Clayton making the transition a little easier for the teachers to navigate. The Document housed items teachers would need to know from the beginning of the year to present making it a useful tool for all. This contribution will continue to be a part of ECES after my residency is complete.
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16. Results Orientation
Effectively assumes responsibility. Recognizes when a decision is required. Takes prompt action as issues emerge. Resolves short-term issues while balancing them against long-term goals.
Early in my residency I was amazed by the amount of resources collected through generous organizations like the Clayton Police Department and Coca Cola Industries. When these donations come into East Clayton they are kept in a storage room in the main office. I immediately noted the lack of organization in the room and worked to consolidate materials into a more organized display. Once finished, I asked the principal how the materials were used and if we could get them into the classrooms for teachers and students. When she agreed I organized a week of giving to the teachers using the stock pile of donations. Keeping with that same theme, ECES is part of the Backpack Buddy Program and occasionally receives items that can not be sent home with the students as in the case with the box of oranges in the slide show. When we received those items, I would place them in the workroom for the faculty and staff.
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17. Sensitivity
Effectively perceives the needs and concerns of others; deals tactfully with others in emotionally stressful situations or in conflict. Knows what information to communicate and to whom. Relates to people of varying ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Effectively perceives the needs and concerns of others; deals tactfully with others in emotionally stressful situations or in conflict. Knows what information to communicate and to whom. Relates to people of varying ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Leaders who invest in those under their leadership will be most effective. In order to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others, a leader must first know the person. By listening and spending time with those under my leadership I was able to respond to them as individuals and assist them throughout the year. |
18. Systems Thinking
Understands the interrelationships and impacts of school and district influences, systems and external stakeholders, and applies that understanding to advancing the achievement of the school or team.
Understands the interrelationships and impacts of school and district influences, systems and external stakeholders, and applies that understanding to advancing the achievement of the school or team.
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COVID 19 lead to many changes within our school and our district. In response to those changes leaders, teachers, parents and students were required to dig deep and work to find the new normal for education. Once plans were established and in place, the interim superintendent sent this letter to all JCPS Employees. This is a great example of Systems Thinking. Acknowledging all employees for their contribution to the system as a whole set the example for school leaders to follow. |
19. Technology
Effectively utilizes the latest technologies to continuously improve the management of the school and enhance student instruction.
Effectively utilizes the latest technologies to continuously improve the management of the school and enhance student instruction.
The closing of school due to COVID 19 brought many challenges and new opportunities. As a leader of three different PLCs, it was my job to organize and facilitate meetings. Zoom was new to our Administrative Team but by practicing, teaching and learning from each other we became professionals within hours. I believe that education and the way we learn will be changed forever due to COVID 19 and the newly acquired technological skills of leaders, teachers and students will be one benefit that results.
20. Time Management
Effectively uses available time to complete work tasks and activities that lead to the achievement of desired work or school results. Runs effective meetings.
Effectively uses available time to complete work tasks and activities that lead to the achievement of desired work or school results. Runs effective meetings.
School leaders must effectively plan and coordinate their calendars to make the best use of their time. At East Clayton the Admin Team shares our Google Calendars with one another for transparency and to effectively cover meetings and tasks that are school related. By using my calendar to set alerts on my phone, I was able to stay on track and keep important appointments. I found that by using my calendar and sharing it with the team I was more organized and accountable of my time.
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21. Visionary
Encourages imagineering by creating an environment and structure to capture stakeholder dreams of what the school could become for all the students.
Encourages imagineering by creating an environment and structure to capture stakeholder dreams of what the school could become for all the students.
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In efforts to create a united community as we transition to online learning due to COVID 19, I created a Virtual Spirit Week for our learners and staff. Each day has a theme and a challenge that for participants to post a picture or video on social media. I reached out to teachers to ask for their help in making videos to Kick Off each day. The first day is 'Merica Monday and this video highlights three of our Enhancement Teachers reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
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