Peer Responses needed

May 15 6:57pm

Manage Discussion by Raquel Rivera

Reply from Raquel Rivera

In the 14 years of teaching and teaching in an pandemic, I see my principal in Bill Johnson, she “projects the image of self assuredness and confidence” (Owens & Valesky, p. 38). She is dedicated and committed to do what is right for the students. One of the many things I have seen her dedication to our students was during the beginning of the pandemic, our senior class of 2020 graduation was on the verge of being cancelled. She knew how important this day meant for the seniors, how much they worked all four years to get here and graduate with honors, she wasn’t willing to take no for an answer. She worked hours to figure out how to hold a graduation ceremony for our senior class all while keeping everyone safe, and she did it, she made it possible for the graduating class and parents and then lived streamed it for families at home who couldn’t be there, truly a remarkable achievement. As stated in the  article, Which kind of bold? “make the tough calls needed to make sure schools put kids first, rather than caving in to parents, politicians, and special interests who want to keep the status quo” Starr, J. P. (2018). reminded me of my principal and Bill Johnson.

Some strengths I saw in Bill Johnson, was his dedication, “100% of the time while I’m in that school” (Owens & Valesky, p. 38). This showed how serious he takes his role, and how completely dedicated he is, not only to his staff, but to his students. As I read about how Bill Johnson tackles his day, not making plans for the day, I was taken aback, “there will be more than enough to keep me busy” (Owens & Valesky, p. 38). Although I agree that there are many times when issues arise and you have to be flexible, quick, and to ready to deal with the situation, however it is not my approach how I plan my day. I don’t agree with not having a plan for my day, I need to write down my goals and objectives daily. My leadership approach within my department is to be proactive instead of reactive. I do not find it efficient or effective to be putting out fires as they arise, I find it exhausting all my resources. Whereas if I can plan ahead, I can avoid certain issues before they arise and become a fire. Leadership in education can look different amongst different principals, and across different schools, but one thing that all leaders in education do share is the love for their students and education and doing what’s best to make sure their students reach their highest academic potential. 

Reference

· Leadership-Which Kind of Bold Starr, J. P. (2018). Leadership-which kind of bold? Phi Delta Kappan, 100(2), 62-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721718803574

· Owens, R. G., & Valesky, T. C. (2015). Organizational behavior in education: Leadership and school reform (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Andrew Feldman

May 15 3:56am

Manage Discussion by Andrew Feldman

Reply from Andrew Feldman

What are the strengths of Bill Johnson’s approach to the job?

When you don't have a plan for the day, you can be present in the moment, which is a strength. Bill will be able to concentrate only on the issue at hand, regardless of the nature of the challenge he is confronted with. Because he does not have any plans, he is able to give a problem his whole attention and find a solution to it as swiftly as possible (Owens & Valesky, 2015 p. 38).

What are the drawbacks?

One of the disadvantages of his connection with his staff is his inability to maintain a feeling of continuity with them. If someone only encounters challenges daily, he may confront similar situations yet generate different solutions. This might also result in staff workers harboring emotions of animosity, particularly among those who see that they were treated in a disparate manner compared to another person facing a similar situation. Furthermore, it is plausible that any enduring duties or issues that were postponed in previous days would remain unresolved or unaddressed. This presents still another drawback. Without a well-defined plan to maintain progress, it would be unattainable to complete jobs with extended timeframes or enduring problems. The phrase "It is difficult to remember one's original purpose of draining the swamp when one is surrounded by alligators up to their knees" is reminiscent of this situation. Undoubtedly, Bill would neglect to make any steps to eliminate the corruption and inefficiency (Owens & Valesky, 2015 p. 38).

 In what ways could the job be approached differently?

Creating a daily timetable is, in my view, the most direct approach to adopt. Aside from allocating time to address persistent or unresolved challenges, it is also important to set aside a portion of the day to tackle emerging problems or concerns (Owens & Valesky, 2015).

In what ways would you say that Bill Johnson’s approach was typical of (or different from) those currently serving as principals?

Every school has its own distinct principal, and each institution exhibits its own individuality. Each school has a range of distinct issues, and administrators use their own strategies to tackle these challenges (Owens & Valesky, 2015 p. 38). It is quite common for many principals to develop the practice of extinguishing fires due to the overwhelming number of fires they encounter during their employment. Bill's attitude is rather representative of this. Principals extinguish fires, while teachers prepare lesson plans. I believe that by integrating those qualities, you will have the capacity to become an exceptionally accomplished principal.

Reference

Owens, R. G., & Valesky, T. C. (2015). Organizational behavior in education: Leadership and school reform (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.