SISE Conference Reflection

My supervisor is a Deputy Superintendent within a relatively large district.  I took great pride in her interest in my progress toward achieving my stated goals, despite her busy schedule.  At our SISE conference, she commented positively on my progress and we reflected on areas in which more improvement is needed.  We did agree that, regardless of education, until you accept a role as an Asst. Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or Superintendent, you really do not know where deficiencies will show.

Updated Vita

Since September, 2012, there have been a few significant changes to my vita:

1. I have been able to update my Educational section to include the Superintendency Preparation Coursework.
2. I have updated my Presentations section to include presentations to the Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA).
3. I have updated the Publications section to include an upcoming manuscript that will be published in the Texas Study of Secondary Education (TASSP) in the Spring, 2013 issue.
4. I have updated my Professional Affiliations section to include my service to the SERA Board of directors for SERA 2014.

I have attached the updated vita below:

ParkerW.vita 09.09.2012 - Copy by parkewi

Three-Year Professional Development Plan

As I reflect upon my three year professional development plan, I have no qualms in declaring it probably the most difficult assignment within this capstone course.  Other assignments were mere reflections and descriptions of our coursework and internship activities to-date.  The three-year PD plan required that I not only assess my weaknesses, but to project forward based upon my perceived needs.

The reason I found it to be so difficult lies in the vast enormity of my deficits.  I have so many needs.  I hope that as time progresses that I will gain the confidence to better define my needs.
I copy of my PD plan is posted below.

Parker.part.E.three.year.PD.plan by parkewi

Reflective Practice

            According to Norman Vincent Peale, "One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is."  Reflection is necessary for growth in any area of life.  Through reflection, we are able to gauge where we are, in comparison to where we want to be.  This is applicable in education.  While being aware of what one should be knowledgeable of at a certain point, through reflection, one can determine what it will take to attain the desired result.  The crucial piece of this process is the action that is taken post deliberation.  Throughout the process of pursuing my certification, I have learned many things about myself as a leader and about the positions I seek to hold.  Much of this I have learned by pondering on different experiences I've had as a teacher, teacher leader, and as an administrator.  I have been able to identify my strengths, as well as areas of need through reflective writing and self-assessments.

Recommendations & Lessons Learned

        As I come to the end of my Superintendent certification program, I have been asked to reflect upon recommendations and lessons learned through my internship activities.  What follows is a summary of those recommendations.

Job Entry Plan

Dr. Creel spoke last Thursday on the importance of having a job entry plan. While mine is fairly rudimentary, I hope to improve it over time. Having a strong, effective job entry plan can make your transition into a new (or out of an old) role much smoother. I believe him 100%. It makes perfect sense.

Anyway, enjoy...

Comprehensive Competency Reflection

Below are the results of my competency reflection.  While it took awhile to write, this certainly shows how busy the last 8 months have been.  Please feel free to reply with your thoughts and suggestions.