Reflections of Site Supervison conference

Site Supervisor Conference

My conference took place at Central Office with Dr. Tim Miller, Superintendent of Cleburne Independent Schools on June 22, 2011 at 4:00pm.  Dr. Miller and I reviewed all necessary paperwork, including the internship plan, skills and knowledge area chart and textbook, as requested for the assignment.  We discussed the intern plan that I had submitted to him earlier.  He thought it was very through and believed it covered the necessary requirements for the course.  We discussed that I believe my area of need is budget and finance.  He understood my concern and we discussed that area.  I included several additional activities in this area and look forward to learning and growing there.  We also discussed the possibility of a project at a later date.  I wanted to see where some areas of need might arise in this difficult financial year.  Then, together, we could analyze what might be a project that could help my campus as well as the district.  Our discussion was very beneficial and we are both looking forward to working together in this learning/teaching capacity.  As we discussed the format in the textbook and he studies the examples, he felt my plan was well organized and that was no need for changes or revisions to my intern plan.

Superintendent Interview

Interview with Superintendent

Interviewing my superintendent, Dr. Miller, was very beneficial in identifying what leadership at the highest level entails. To him, the definition of leadership means getting people to follow you and providing vision and examples of how to become better.  He believes there is a push- pull relationship which allows everyone to reach the highest expectations.  In discussing the positive aspects of being in the leadership role, he believes the superintendent sets the tone, the vision and the expectations.  He emphasizes the importance of celebrating the successes and enjoying the results of what your district has accomplished with all those involved.   Some of the most difficult aspects of being a superintendent to him are when things go wrong… you are the one to take the ultimate responsibility.  He suggests that sometimes it is a lonely position.  Politically, the position can be the target for all that is bad in the district…financial, employment, discipline, etc.  His advice is to use mentors, other superintendents, to help advice you in situations, both positive and difficult .He believes that focusing on the good, will help see you through the valleys and get you to the peaks.  Ethical leadership, to him, is making sure what you do and say is okay even when people aren’t looking.  His advice is to not only talk the talk…but walk the walk.  Servant leadership stands out in Dr. Miller’s style and it shows.  He sets examples by what he does and that makes is easy for others to follow.  Good attributes of a superintendent, to him, include listening to all, having a strong intrapersonal skills, being a good communicator both orally and written, having an open-mind, demonstrating patience and believing in education for all kids. As we discussed the importance of developing a shared vision he emphasized the need to gather input from all. Surveys are one tool that he uses to help gather the comprehensive needs and decide where his district is and where he wants it to go.  The vision is important for all to see and to buy into. The superintendent must paint the picture of where he wants his district to go and set the timeline of how to achieve the vision.  This tied right into how he evaluates the effectiveness of communication strategies in the school district and the importance of engaging the community to benefit all students.  Putting information out and asking individually for community feedback is important to identify the needs and wants and to tie those into the shared goals.  For example, he believes that it is important that all students graduate.  The community needs to understand why the graduate is important and to focus on those positives for the community as a whole.  In discussing the importance of building a good relationship with the board he believes that working together and sharing the same vision for the district is essential.  Cooperation, communication, time and energy are all important factors in a successful relationship between the board and the superintendent. In discussing wide –range strategic planning he believes it involves community, district, staff and students.  He acknowledges that a balanced approach of good staff and a strong leadership team help to manage and implement strategic planning.  As the superintendent, his job is to help everyone work together and see the big picture.  To be aware of the strategic plan, all can be involved and celebrate the successes along the way.  One area discussed focused on how a superintendent promotes and sustains a district culture that emphasizes student learning and professional development.  He believes that a superintendent has to be an example. He must first be a learner himself. Then he needs to share what he learns and model what he expects.  For students, the goal is to set your expectations of what you want them to do and the provide support for their success. In addressing the culture of complacency he states that it is difficult to overcome. He acknowledges that you must have enough people who want more for their kids and understand why education is meaningful…whether the student is preparing for college or career.   In the area of improving the performance of all staff members, Dr. Miller believes that all staff needs to understand their importance and their role for the district. He believes that all should know the expectations of the job and the goals necessary to reach those expectations.  Monitoring progress for the goals along the way is an important tool as well as adjusting when necessary. Each individual performance is important for all to be successful.   In discussing the management of the district his believes it is important to know how it all fits together.  The fiscal policy should be supporting the educational processes thus student achievement.  He believes that this district’s main goal is for all our kids to achieve their potential and be well rounded.   In discussing the management of the physical plants and support system to ensure a safe and effective learning environment Dr. Miller agreed that providing safe and healthy schools was the foundation of it all.  This is where it all starts to him.  He believes that if this does not occur, then no one can learn!  He suggests a comprehensive plan and a baseline for the district to analyze and execute the needs of each campus.  One tool he has implemented in our district is for work orders to be reported on line.  He believes that this has aided our district in faster fixes.  In discussing the emergency/safety plans he addressed several ways the practice of those drills and procedures were used this year.  He stressed the importance of having these procedures in place and for the entire district to be able to understand and implement the plan.  In discussing the importance of organizational leadership he believes that is it important for everyone to know who does what, who to go to, and who is responsible in those specific areas. It must also be organized clearly.  He wants to develop in house leaders and be sure that communication is used to help in the decision making and problem solving. He believes that as a team it is important to see perspectives from all sides.  Discussing and debating ideas will help develop consistency and inevitably allow all to see the big picture overall.  He wants all to first see your destination, set your goals and then work together to achieve your district success.  In concluding my interview Dr. Miller left me with this advice, he recommends to look out over the entire year and plan it all. He believes there is a balance between listening and taking action. He also believes that you must “Trust Your Gut”.   This opportunity to learn about the overall responsibilities of the leadership role as superintendent is very beneficial and has helped make the transfer of knowledge begin.

transfer theory

Transfer Theory

The “heart and soul of all learning” is how Dr.Arterbury references Dr. Madeline Hunter’s belief on transfer theory.   Anyone who has ever tickled the ivories can relate to this expression.  One of the first piano pieces learned is the elementary version of the musical arrangement, “Heart and Soul”.  Once that piece has been successfully practiced, over and over again, the fingers begin comfortably moving to and fro on each key.  This finally becomes so natural that is it done without having to even look at the notes.  When this level of learning has been established other notes and chords can then be added to embellish the once difficult song.  This allows the transfer of the learning process to utilize the skills acquired and implement the knowledge to a more complex level, thus relying on what was previously learned and transferring that to a similar yet new level of application.   I learned how to teach in my undergraduate classes, but it wasn’t until I was trained with Dr. Hunter’s Model of Effective Teaching that I transferred that basic knowledge and applied it to a higher level.  This method taught me how to go from a good instructor to a great instructor.  This is how I plan to continue to use the transfer theory of learning as I move into higher levels of administration.  I will never stop being that facilitator of instruction, whether it be to students, parents, faculty, staff or administrators. Each position I hold will allow me to pull from my skills previously learned and implement those skills in a deeper more complex way. Great teachers turn into great administrators because they never loose sight of what was learned for their classroom success.  Great administrators turn into great superintendents because they never forget what was learned for their campus to be successful.  Great superintendents turn into great leaders because they never forget how to continue to transfer their knowledge acquired along the way and continue to grow in depth and complexity making every situation a transfer not only in theory but in proof.

vita

VITA

Jacquelene Morris

Cleburne Independent School District

103 Ridgeway Drive

Cleburne, Texas 76033

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

MS - Education                                    Baylor University               Waco, Texas

Mid-management Certification     Baylor University                 Waco, Texas

Gifted/Talented Certification         Tarleton State                      Stephenville, TX.

BS – Elementary Education            Texas A&M University     College Station, TX.

Driver’s Education Certification Texas A&M University      College Station, TX.

AA – Elementary Education           Hill Jr. College                     Hillsboro, Texas

ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Cleburne ISD

Marti Elementary             Assistant Principal                                   07 – present

    *Campus Coordinator for TAKS/Testing Administration

    *Campus Coordinator for LPAC/ARDS

    * Discipline/Transportation campus needs

    * Skyward Facilitator

    * Textbook Facilitator

    * Campus Climate Coordinator

    * Contact person for Community Adaptors

Cooke Early Childhood Center            Assistant Principal            03 – 07

     *Helped develop new campus for all PreK – K in district

     *Implemented new policies, procedures and standards for campus of 800

     * Coordinated dismissal procedures and safety policies

     *Established campus goals and objectives

     *Worked with Parent Teacher Organization

Coleman Elementary                               Instructor                           92 -03

     *Implementer District Gifted and Talented Program

     *Established curriculum to align with state objectives

     *Trained district staff on strategies and skills of gifted education

     *Served on district sight base committee as representative of special pops

     *Helped develop Core Knowledge curriculum for campus implementation

     *Worked in administration as needed

Fulton Elementary                       Instructor                           85 – 89

     *Implemented instruction of grade level essential elements

     * Worked to establish student success and grade level skills

     * Supervised student teachers

   

Hillsboro Independent School District

Travis/Harris Elementaries                 Instructor               80 – 85

     *Developed District Gifted and Talented program

     * Worked to implement strong curriculum

     * Participated in training of high school future teachers

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   *TEPSA Webinars/Lunch and Learn seminars

   *TEPSA Summer Conferences

   *Harry Wong Effective Teacher videos

   *Eduphoria/Aware Training

   *Kilgo Data Training

   *Apple Baum Classroom Management

   *True Colors/Personality Training

   *Tarleton University Projects Conference Presenter

   *Tarleton Effective Schools Projects

   *Confratute Joe Renzulli/University of Connecticut

   *Steve Spangler Science Projects/Denver, Colorado

   *TEPAS presenter for Core Curriculum

   *Practical Parenting Facilitator

   *World of Difference District Trainer

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS/COMMITTEES

   *Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

   *Texas Association of Gifted and Talented

   *Cleburne Advisory Board for Gifted and Talented

   * Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

   * Alpha Gamma Society

   * Site Base District/Campus Committees

   *Association of Professional Educators

   * Parent Teacher Association

HONORS AND AWARDS

   *Who’s Who among American Administrators

   *Presidential Chapter Achievement Award/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Annie Award for Outstanding Programs/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Who’s Who in American Teachers

   * ATPE – Texas Teacher of the Year

   * CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Coleman Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Renzulli Confratute Recipient/Tarleton University

  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

   *Member of Field Street Baptist Church

   * FSBC choir/ensemble

   * Missions committees

   *Community outreach

  

    

                                                             

  

                                               

  

  

    

                                                             

  

                                               

VITA

Jacquelene Morris

Cleburne Independent School District

103 Ridgeway Drive

Cleburne, Texas 76033

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

MS - Education                                    Baylor University               Waco, Texas

Mid-management Certification     Baylor University                 Waco, Texas

Gifted/Talented Certification         Tarleton State                      Stephenville, TX.

BS – Elementary Education            Texas A&M University     College Station, TX.

Driver’s Education Certification Texas A&M University      College Station, TX.

AA – Elementary Education           Hill Jr. College                     Hillsboro, Texas

ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Cleburne ISD

Marti Elementary             Assistant Principal                                   07 – present

    *Campus Coordinator for TAKS/Testing Administration

    *Campus Coordinator for LPAC/ARDS

    * Discipline/Transportation campus needs

    * Skyward Facilitator

    * Textbook Facilitator

    * Campus Climate Coordinator

    * Contact person for Community Adaptors

Cooke Early Childhood Center            Assistant Principal            03 – 07

     *Helped develop new campus for all PreK – K in district

     *Implemented new policies, procedures and standards for campus of 800

     * Coordinated dismissal procedures and safety policies

     *Established campus goals and objectives

     *Worked with Parent Teacher Organization

Coleman Elementary                               Instructor                           92 -03

     *Implementer District Gifted and Talented Program

     *Established curriculum to align with state objectives

     *Trained district staff on strategies and skills of gifted education

     *Served on district sight base committee as representative of special pops

     *Helped develop Core Knowledge curriculum for campus implementation

     *Worked in administration as needed

Fulton Elementary                       Instructor                           85 – 89

     *Implemented instruction of grade level essential elements

     * Worked to establish student success and grade level skills

     * Supervised student teachers

   

Hillsboro Independent School District

Travis/Harris Elementaries                 Instructor               80 – 85

     *Developed District Gifted and Talented program

     * Worked to implement strong curriculum

     * Participated in training of high school future teachers

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   *TEPSA Webinars/Lunch and Learn seminars

   *TEPSA Summer Conferences

   *Harry Wong Effective Teacher videos

   *Eduphoria/Aware Training

   *Kilgo Data Training

   *Apple Baum Classroom Management

   *True Colors/Personality Training

   *Tarleton University Projects Conference Presenter

   *Tarleton Effective Schools Projects

   *Confratute Joe Renzulli/University of Connecticut

   *Steve Spangler Science Projects/Denver, Colorado

   *TEPAS presenter for Core Curriculum

   *Practical Parenting Facilitator

   *World of Difference District Trainer

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS/COMMITTEES

   *Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

   *Texas Association of Gifted and Talented

   *Cleburne Advisory Board for Gifted and Talented

   * Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

   * Alpha Gamma Society

   * Site Base District/Campus Committees

   *Association of Professional Educators

   * Parent Teacher Association

HONORS AND AWARDS

   *Who’s Who among American Administrators

   *Presidential Chapter Achievement Award/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Annie Award for Outstanding Programs/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Who’s Who in American Teachers

   * ATPE – Texas Teacher of the Year

   * CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Coleman Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Renzulli Confratute Recipient/Tarleton University

  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

   *Member of Field Street Baptist Church

   * FSBC choir/ensemble

   * Missions committees

   *Community outreach

  

    

                                                             

  

                                               

VITA

Jacquelene Morris

Cleburne Independent School District

103 Ridgeway Drive

Cleburne, Texas 76033

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

MS - Education                                    Baylor University               Waco, Texas

Mid-management Certification     Baylor University                 Waco, Texas

Gifted/Talented Certification         Tarleton State                      Stephenville, TX.

BS – Elementary Education            Texas A&M University     College Station, TX.

Driver’s Education Certification Texas A&M University      College Station, TX.

AA – Elementary Education           Hill Jr. College                     Hillsboro, Texas

ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Cleburne ISD

Marti Elementary             Assistant Principal                                   07 – present

    *Campus Coordinator for TAKS/Testing Administration

    *Campus Coordinator for LPAC/ARDS

    * Discipline/Transportation campus needs

    * Skyward Facilitator

    * Textbook Facilitator

    * Campus Climate Coordinator

    * Contact person for Community Adaptors

Cooke Early Childhood Center            Assistant Principal            03 – 07

     *Helped develop new campus for all PreK – K in district

     *Implemented new policies, procedures and standards for campus of 800

     * Coordinated dismissal procedures and safety policies

     *Established campus goals and objectives

     *Worked with Parent Teacher Organization

Coleman Elementary                               Instructor                           92 -03

     *Implementer District Gifted and Talented Program

     *Established curriculum to align with state objectives

     *Trained district staff on strategies and skills of gifted education

     *Served on district sight base committee as representative of special pops

     *Helped develop Core Knowledge curriculum for campus implementation

     *Worked in administration as needed

Fulton Elementary                       Instructor                           85 – 89

     *Implemented instruction of grade level essential elements

     * Worked to establish student success and grade level skills

     * Supervised student teachers

   

Hillsboro Independent School District

Travis/Harris Elementaries                 Instructor               80 – 85

     *Developed District Gifted and Talented program

     * Worked to implement strong curriculum

     * Participated in training of high school future teachers

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   *TEPSA Webinars/Lunch and Learn seminars

   *TEPSA Summer Conferences

   *Harry Wong Effective Teacher videos

   *Eduphoria/Aware Training

   *Kilgo Data Training

   *Apple Baum Classroom Management

   *True Colors/Personality Training

   *Tarleton University Projects Conference Presenter

   *Tarleton Effective Schools Projects

   *Confratute Joe Renzulli/University of Connecticut

   *Steve Spangler Science Projects/Denver, Colorado

   *TEPAS presenter for Core Curriculum

   *Practical Parenting Facilitator

   *World of Difference District Trainer

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS/COMMITTEES

   *Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

   *Texas Association of Gifted and Talented

   *Cleburne Advisory Board for Gifted and Talented

   * Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

   * Alpha Gamma Society

   * Site Base District/Campus Committees

   *Association of Professional Educators

   * Parent Teacher Association

HONORS AND AWARDS

   *Who’s Who among American Administrators

   *Presidential Chapter Achievement Award/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Annie Award for Outstanding Programs/Delta Kappa Gamma

   *Who’s Who in American Teachers

   * ATPE – Texas Teacher of the Year

   * CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Coleman Elementary Teacher of the Year

   * Renzulli Confratute Recipient/Tarleton University

  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

   *Member of Field Street Baptist Church

   * FSBC choir/ensemble

   * Missions committees

   *Community outreach

  

    

                                                             

  

                                               

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