Reflection: Face to Face meetings 10/21 & 10/22

Lazano Smith – Attorneys at Law

Roberta Rowe’s presentation answered several questions of mine regarding search and seizure of our students.  As a PE teacher I deal with 700 girls in a two day period.  Supervising a girls’ locker room is a difficult task, especially when the students are not mine.  Bullying and harassment is an ongoing problem in junior high.  The girls’ locker room is probably one of the most vulnerable places for our students.  It is difficult to maintain a safe environment when there are so many ways our students can harass and bully one another.  Cell phones, iPods, and cameras are devices I constantly look for when walking up and down the aisles.  So many of our students believe it is okay to take inappropriate pictures of themselves and others and post them on social networking sites. 

I have also been involved in locker searches but because I have never understood what I can and cannot do I have always had an administrator present.  If I understand this correctly I can search any locker as long as I have specific reasonable suspicion, which is supported by articulable facts that support the initial search. 

Termination of a teacher….  Why is this such a difficult thing to do?  I think about the six boxes of documentation that it took to give that final 45-day notice to the female teacher Roberta was describing.  Six boxes of documentation did nothing but provide a disservice to our children and students.  It’s such a shame that it takes that much! 

I truly enjoyed Dr. Hauser’s presentation on the fundamentals of effective meeting management.  I am the chair person for my department and I have meetings several times a month.  I thought we were on the right track with our agendas but today proved that I need to spend more time planning and making sure I follow up accordingly. 

I appreciate the 7 tips that Dr. Torosian gave us at the end of his presentation on student discipline. 

• ·         Focus on what you are trying to prove and what is relevant
• ·         Avoid legal conclusions in statements
• ·         Do not rely solely on paper or admissions to carry your case
• ·         Make sure witnesses are prepared, focused, direct, and concise
• ·         Cannot expel a students on hearsay only (written statements)
• ·         Utilize physical evidence if you have it
• ·         Use all ed. Codes that have been violated and ensure they are appropriate

The PowerPoint on the FRISK process was very beneficial in helping us prepare to write our discipline letter for an employee.  I believe that when this process does take place it is going to be an emotional one but practicing this format with nothing but the facts will help guide us through such a difficult task. 

These last two days of class were enjoyable in that we were exposed to several different topics and amazing speakers. 

Leadership Connectors – Chapter seven: Putting it all together

This is my 12th year of teaching.  As I look back it sure has flown by but yet 35 years of working in education seems so far away.   Reading “Leadership Connectors: Six keys to developing relationships in schools” has confirmed everything we have heard throughout this Master’s Program.  It’s all about developing relationships.  As a Physical Education teacher and coach I struggle with the thought of not having the classroom experience that some of my classmates and colleagues have.  I have to continue to remind myself that it’s more than knowing all the standards like the back of my hand.  It’s about being willing to dive in and learn what I don’t already know, it’s about developing trusting relationships with those I work with, and it’s about leading people towards that common goal or vision.   TEAMWORK…..That’s what I do every day with my athletes and students.  Now, I just need to believe in myself!

Leadership Connectors – Chapter six: Trust

Trust…Such a HUGE word.  I appreciate how the author of this text connects all of the leadership connectors with trust and states that in order for trust to be present all of the other connectors must be present.  As a teacher I have worked for many people in three different schools districts that I simply did not trust.  It’s a horrible feeling.  I have shared an office with a teacher where I had to be careful of what I said on the phone because she would share my conversations with others.  I have worked for principals where they would take the word of others without investigating or observing to find truth.  It makes you feel unsafe, defensive, and not valued.  As a leader I pray that I never make anyone feel this way.  I appreciate the suggestions from the text on how to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal.  Of course most of it is common sense but the one that continues to catch my attention is “listen more than you speak.”  This is easier said than done, especially if it’s something you are passionate about.  This is something I truly want to work on.  I need to turn my focus to what my colleagues are truly saying so I can then decide if my comments will help or hurt the situation. 

Leadership Connectors – Chapter five: Continuous Renewal

Building relationships with your mind, body, and soul is one of our district’s motto's.  After reading this chapter I believe our district nailed it.  “Be the best you can be in Mind, Body, and spirit.” I am a firm believer that it’s important to pick your battles.  It has taken me a very long time to get here but understanding how I can easily become overwhelmed with the battles of everyday life in education/athletics has helped me to stop sweating the small stuff and focusing my efforts and energy on the bigger things.  When I was a young coach I worried about everything.  My health deteriorated and my family suffered.  Fifteen years into my career I am now confident that I focus on the more pressing issues and let the small stuff work its way out with time.  Every now and then I managed to let a situation get under my skin but I have an amazing sounding board as a husband.  He lets me talk….and talk….and talk, until I have figured out a solution.  I’d be lost without him! J