Week #2 in CEDO 565

This week in CEDO 565 we took a look at data and how it can be used in a leadership role. In the book we read two chapters on "Assembling your team" and "Communicating your Leadership". I have been a part of the hiring committee for 4 of the positions in our 10 person department and I can say with certainty that John Gabriel is 100% correct about there needing to be a "fit" for your team. We have had tons of super qualified applicants for my school that have not worked out with the district not because they were not capable, but because they were not the right fit for the multitudes of people that have already established themselves in the district. It is tough realizing that it is nothing personal, it is just the nature of human interaction.

The "virtual data retreat" that we embarked on I took a look at the WKCE data for my district in reading, science and math. My district is very fortunate since it is over performing for its socioeconomic indicators. I can tell you with certainty it is because of good teachers teaching motivated students that have parents who are active in their child's education. The trifecta of student achievement is at work in my district and I am happy to be a part of it. We spend almost $200 more per student than the surrounding districts, and my district has ridiculously high property taxes to support such spending since the tax base is firmly blue collar. Yet, parents in my district have defeated every "tax payer alliance" or "citizens for fiscal responsibility" measure that has come to a vote. The community's dedication to education is unwavering. I am truly lucky to be where I am.

Week #1 in CEDO 565 - Leadership and Planning

There is light at the end of the tunnel!  CEDO 565 is the second to last class in the ME-IT at Cardinal Stritch and we'll be done by mid June (if all goes according to plan).  I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the masters program and have found it much more topical than other programs I have been a part of.  Speaking of topicality, I just found out last week that I was being tapped to become the new science department head at my school. CEDO 565 couldn't have come at a better time as I am a little freaked out about the idea of leadership where there is no formal power.  Our text book, How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader by John Gabriel, gives numerous examples in the first chapter of positions of authority that hold no formal power.  It also gives a few hints about what skills are needed to be successful in these situations. Lets hope that I can crib enough information from both the book and the class to be successful at my new position.

We have also done some leadership inventories as well as looked at a TED Talk about the future of Africa and how important education is to transforming life there.  It is a very powerful lecture and if you'd like to see it take a look below. It is well worth your time.