Status Report
As I look back on my experiences of the past year, I can honestly say that I do so with a certain level of satisfaction. Satisfaction? Yes. Contentment? No. I feel somewhat satisfied because I came into a brand new position this school year and helped shape it or influence it into what it became. I helped lead a brand new district endeavor and did so with an improved bottom line and positive feedback from the administrators to whom I report. However, I feel no contentment because there are new challenges ahead that require my focus and all the skills in my tool set, in order to meet them successfully.
When I look back on what helped me to make this year a success, I can look at three things. The first is my organizational skills. I believe these helped me to create order where there was none previously. Again, with this being year one in our district’s cyber education venture it is important to realize that there was very little process or protocol in place. Part of the challenge, and fun, was the creation and implementation of these protocols. I believe my organizational skills helped me meet this challenge. Another skill that I believed helped me tremendously was my ability to communicate effectively. More important than the actual skill was my commitment to utilizing it on a daily basis. Not only was this my first year leading a brand new district venture, but I was also interacting with an entirely new set of colleagues who knew very little about me or more specifically, my work ethic. I wanted to make sure that these new peers saw me in the way that I wanted to be seen: As a district coordinator with good organizational skills, a commitment to communication, and a sincere willingness to lead. I believe that willingness was evident in my daily actions as coordinator as well as in my interactions with administrators and staff.
As I head towards next school year I also know that there are many areas where I need to show growth and development. These are the areas which prohibit me from feeling that sense of contentment that I mentioned earlier. I believe I must gain more experience with the management of staff, specifically in the teacher observation process. I aim on improving my knowledge base of school law and district policy as well. My goal is to get to the point where I do not have to ask administrators for answers or reassurance on these matters because my grip on understanding them has become so strong. Finally, on a personal note, I believe I need to toughen my skin, so to speak. Currently, it is hard for me to not take work personally. My work / work ethic is a reflection of who I am. When someone calls into doubt the quality of my work or the sincerity of my intentions, it is hard for me to not take these things personally. I also know that if I am to have a successful career as an administrator I must make strides in this area. Without a doubt I know I must make a consistent effort to improve in this area and if I do, it will only benefit the quality of my work in the long run.
In the coming school year I hope to maintain those skills which I believe have helped me to be successful and improve in those areas where I know I need growth and development. I will also be researching various doctoral programs. I’d like to find a program that deals with technology in education, but I go into the process casting a wide net and may just find a direction that will be as new and exciting to me as distance education is now. I also will work on my writing skills over the next few school years. I already host an education based blog (www.douglaspalmieri.wordpress.com) and I am interested in writing for publication as well. While writing is a hobby and something I enjoy, I also know that solid writing skills will only aid me as a future administrator and doctoral program candidate.
