The practice of reflection deepens the knowledge and allows the learner to evaluate their learning. A leader who purposely reflects from their experiences and learns from their experiences is a critical step in the ability to lead others. The daily decisions a superintendent makes and staying focused on the direction of the district requires a moment to process the dynamics of the position. Therefore, reflecting on the issues, actions, decisions, and mistakes will allow a leader to evaluate the various situations. The moment to reflect often displays a potential problem or situation that can be addressed at the infancy stage. The importance of reflective practices as a leader allows the leader the opportunity to focus, learn, and make adjustments for moving a district forward in educating the children they are entrusted with.
The reflections from the course assignments allowed me to analysis what I had learned and how I was going to use it. This concept was introduced in setting up our Wiki’s in the first course and I applied it throughout the program. The reflections put me in a position to look at detail closely, actively listen while interacting with others, and to justify opinions or decisions. The course assignments presented the opportunity for me to reflect and analysis the practices in my district. In turn, the reflections brought me questions to seek answers for and motivated me to seek experiences outside of my comfort zone.
The blog reflections were the most difficult for to me because I was sharing my experiences with others. The blog postings were an invitation to others to share in my experiences, learning process, and opinions. One of the most beneficial blog reflection experiences for me was reflection on a goal driven budget. The importance of a goal based on data and securing a budget must always be together in the current situations involving all Texas schools. However, the learning experience of following my cohort’s blogs during this course involved blogging with other who shared similar situations as my own. For example, the blogs of interviewing the superintendent and comparing to others gave me the perspective of viewing several superintendents from districts of various sizes and demographics. The opportunity to read my cohorts experiences gave me the opportunity to see real experiences in a different perspective, learn from their experiences, and to receive the encouragement I needed. I will absolutely miss the bloggers of Cohort 4. Thank you for sharing with me.
The assessment reflections for the Superintendent exam was where I had to really be honest with myself as I evaluated my strengths and weaknesses. This is where I truly praised myself where I actually made contributions to many of the competencies. On the other hand, the assessment reflections are where I began my professional growth plan. The goal we are all working on now is obtaining the superintendent certification and the ability to do well is reflecting on the practice tests we did before the big test day. The assessment reflections identify for me the areas I need to obtain additional knowledge and skills for the next step in my career.
I am known in my district as the one with “the journal” of meetings, professional developments, projects, and general information. On many occasions my previous principal and the assistant superintendent will ask me if I have notes from a certain meeting in my journal and what was discussed. This journal is a practice I have used my entire career in education from a teacher, campus leader, and central office leader. This journal would be the perfect place for me to take a moment to reflect on my actions, thoughts, and planning. I have always used my journal at the end of the school year to plan for the next year, however, I would benefit more if I reflected and reviewed throughout the year. The combination of journaling the event and my reflection on the event will be a new learning experience for me. I plan on beginning the reflection piece now and what a great opportunity to reflect at one of the busiest times of the year for public education. My journal will become more than just a “history journal”.
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