This week has been consumed (for me) by the search for our new Superintendent. It’s been intense. TGIF feels like a really real statement after working four 13 to 14 hour days in a row. The educational leader of our community can have a big impact. I am really glad I got to be on this hiring committee and give my input, even though half way through the week it was a bit brutal. There are a few things that I learned while listening to people talk about their educational philosophy, leadership style, how they work with the school board, relationships with teachers and students, equity, and budgets. It’s a big job. Here’s how it relates to what we do in the Pilot. There is a big difference between theory and practice. I started to learn this when I started teaching 12 years ago. Improvisation was a skill that I needed to develop as a new teacher. Everyday I came in prepared with my lessons and then 18 people would join me, bringing their whole life experience with them, and I had to make adjustments. I had to be prepared (I wasn’t a few times and that felt so bad that I now make every effort to be ready) and I also had to be able to attune to how people were showing up in the moment. I am still practicing this but my skills in the area of teacher improv have improved immensely. This happens with our project work. When you've chosen to study something you are passionate about, there is always more to know. My advice: keep practicing. Say what you’re going to do and then do it. There were some people that we interviewed that talked a lot of jargon. Of course, it is easier to say, “all students can learn” and "I look at everything through an equity lens" than it is to create a school community where that is actually happening and reflected in daily actions. The more visionary candidates made claims about what makes good education and then for the rest of the interview they demonstrated that they really know and practice those very things. Be efficient by demonstrating efficiency. Be compassionate by showing compassion. Make a goal and then show you tried. My advice: have a vision ands how up to it over and over again. we summited!
A snippet from Seminar:
I am looking forward to what happens with the deepening and expanding of the Pilot projects that will happen in the coming weeks. We've been meeting with Meg Allison our research librarian and specialist in information gathering. Thanks to Meg for dedicating so much of her week to helping us out!
Last but not least! Keep your eye out for future Piloteers! We're starting to put our feelers out for those that would be a good fit for Pilot next year. My goal is 25 applications! Please help me identify students that could benefit from learning outside the conventional classroom. But isn't that everyone? Be well, amyK
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