Feed back to the student

Elizabeth Hogan wrote on 12/30/2013

Do you think that when you become a principal, you will be better able to anticipate some of the issues that come about from your teachers in regard to grievances, negotiations, etc.? Exp. Record #: 13821 Date submitted: 12/30/2013 Elizabeth Hogan approved on 12/30/2013 Cohort: UEN 2012

Student Name: Schroeder, Jakob John (390375)

Field-Based Internship Reflection Form For Internship Experience Standard 1: Visionary Leadership; Standard 2: Instructional Leadership; Standard 3: Organizational Leadership; Standard 4: Collaborative Leadership; Standard 5: Ethical Leadership; Standard 6: Political Leadership Title: Union Rep Level Elementary Secondary Special Education Time Spent 2 hour(s) 2 hour(s) 2 hour(s) 2 hour(s) 2 hour(s) 2 hour(s) Note

Standard and Criteria 5.e Demonstrates respect for divergent opinions 5.e Demonstrates respect for divergent opinions 5.e Demonstrates respect for divergent opinions

6.a Collaborates with service providers/decision-makers to improve teaching and learning Elementary 6.a Collaborates with service providers/decision-makers to improve teaching and learning Secondary 6.a Collaborates with service providers/decision-makers to improve teaching and learning Special Education Briefly describe this field-based internship experience, including your specific role (1/2 page).

For the past two years I have served a building representative for the Waterloo Educational Association. Once a month I attend rep council meetings with other members of the association who also serve as representatives in their buildings throughout the district (everyone is represented ? elementary & secondary). As these meetings I am responsible for exchanging information about my building, contributing to the discussion of current matters within the district, and finally reporting back to my building what was discussed at the rep council meetings. As a rep in my building I serve as a liaison between teachers and the association. If teachers have problems or issues with the administration or school district they bring these concerns to me. And as soon as teachers found out that I was a rep I sure heard a number of concerns. While many people present valid concerns that require me to take the issue to the association, I also heard some ridiculous requests and might have just been needed as someone willing to listen. While some believe a teacher?s union is only created to benefit the teachers, I would argue that our actions support all members of the community. Not only do we self-advocate we also strive to provide our students with proper resources and the best possible conditions for the learning environment. Reflect on what you have learned from this experience, from mentor discussions, and how you will use this learning in future administrative leadership roles (no more than 1/2 page). My role as a WEA rep has prepared me to lead others through political leadership. I must be able to listen to others and advocate for the needs of all teachers and the school. Everyone is vying for scarce resources but we must remember our needs should always come second to the students. Being in this position I must examine every decision that is made and always ask the question, ?Are we doing what is best for the students?? Being part of this process has shown me a bigger picture of the workings of a school district and the critical relationship between teachers and the central office. This is a very interesting relationship considering both groups are looking to do what is best for students, but sometimes have different ideas of how to get that done. My position as a WEA rep has also shown me a very unique perspective on the relationship between teachers and the principal ? especially after taking the evaluator approval course. I have now seen the relationship from at least three angles as the teacher, union rep, and principal. Having this perspective will allow me to make better decisions as a future administrator as I will now be able to see and understand issues from many different viewpoints.

03/08/2014 06:43:21 PM

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 Mentor(s) Mike Landers The date approved by his/her lead mentor: 12/16/2013

03/08/2014 06:43:21 PM

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