Question 1 Compare and contrast the two textbooks assigned for this course in at least 250
words.
After reviewing both books, I was intrigued by both books and for different reasons. Harvey,
(2013), The Superintendent’s Fieldbook provided a way to navigate the challenges that may come-up
when you are in the position of a superintendent. It was discussed by the authors how to handle conflict,
diversity, and politics within the position, and they provided advice to assist with real world situations. I
like the fact that the authors utilized real world examples which provided a different perspective which is
not the same with most curriculum. The Helmsman written by Coley, (2006), provided a different
perspective in a simpler context. Coley, (2006) looked at the position in more of a Christian perspective
for all leaders in education at all levels. Coley, (2006) covered multiple topics which were, legal, financial,
government, community relationships, development of leaders, supervising instruction, and philosophy
within education. Utilizing the Christian and spiritual perspectives, they discussed the importance of
taking care of oneself. Both books provided useful information in their own ways that would assist any
leader on their journey. Conflict resolution was a topic I found interesting that both books covered and
how they felt it should be dealt with. The best way to handle conflict and to resolve it is to avoid it all
together, but if you need to get involved, try to use the negative situation, and find positive points to
resolve it (Harvey, 2013). Conflict is not always avoidable, and we must find beneficial ways to deal with
it. Coley, (2006), suggest we should confront conflict head on and not to avoid it. Both books and its
authors provided beneficial information for current and future leaders to use as they navigate leadership
roles. I will take this information and utilize it throughout my career.
Question 2: Provide an analysis with personal application, using a chapter that encouraged you the
most from either book read in this course in a minimum of 100 words.
Harvey, (2013), The Superintendent’s Fieldbook, Chapter 2 Leading Your Schools was a good chapter. The
quote at the begging caught my attention “Superintendent Wanted: A miracle worker who can do more
with less, pacify rival groups, endure chronic second-guessing, tolerate low levels of support, process
large volumes of paper and work double shifts (75 nights a year out). He or she will have carte blanche to
innovate but cannot spend much money, replace any personnel, or upset and constituency” (Harvey,
2013, pg. 25). This phrase reads so true for many careers and leadership positions, but especially the job
of a superintendent. When I applied for the position of Dean of Students at a middle school, this phrase
was almost like guidebook of what was wanted. I was expected to step into a position that had been
vacant for a while and almost do everything listed above. Luckily, I had great mentors/ leaders above me
that provided the well needed guidance to accomplish the mission. I liked how the authors discussed the
distinction between adaptive and technical challenges. Many people are good with developing or coming
up with things but putting those ideas into practical use for some can be difficult.
In an essay of at least 200 words, discuss, other than the chapter used in answer 2, the most
meaningful content or activities in the course and how it/they will better prepare you for the role of
school superintendent.
Your Answer:
Not sure If my goal would ever be to become the Superintendent of a school district, but the literature
and this course has provided me a great insight into the position. Chapter 7, Collaborating with your
allies, The Superintendent’s Fieldbook, Harvey (2013) providing insight and useful information. The
authors highlighted the importance and need to collaborate with other government agencies to
accomplish a common goal. I learned that collaboration is more than just cooperating with other groups.
When I thought of cooperating, I knew it meant to share information that would benefit all but looking
more into collaboration taught me something useful. When we collaborate with others it takes more of a
conscious effort to breakthrough barriers all groups have put up. When we collaborate, we have a
common goal to make sure the children don’t fail and fall to the wayside. We need to provide the
services the families need to succeed. When collaboration is successful it will provide better results and
smoother functioning for all divisions and schools within the district. When we collaborate with other
groups, it provides a more positive community image which in turn provides more community support.
Reference
Harvey, J., Cambron-McCabe, N., Cunningham, L. L., & Koff, R. H. (2013). The
superintendent’s fieldbook: A guide for leaders of learning (2nd ed.). https://ebookcentral-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/lib/liberty/reader.action?
docID=1363588&ppg=48&_ga=2.197317671.905728289.1655989116-1703775345.1644166917
Explain how this understanding from answer 3 “opened your eyes” to unfamiliar aspects related to the
superintendent’s role as a leader of instructional supervision.
Your Answer:
I was a teacher for one year, teaching special education before I left the field altogether and became a
police officer for 21 years. Towards the end of my career. I knew my goal was to go back into education
but into more of an administrator/ leadership role. My goal has never been to become a superintendent,
so I never paid much attention to what it took to lead as a superintendent. I was not aware of how
politics plays a large role in this career field. Although my goal isn't to become a superintendent but
remain in the position of Safety Coordinator for the district, it is important that I have knowledge of what
a leader like a superintendent deal with and what drives their decisions. After spending time as a Dean
of Students prior to my current position, it reenforced my drive to work in administration to provide a
better educational system for our students. As the Safety Coordinator for the district, it is considered to
