Position and Leadership Goals- Week 1 EDLD 5399

In order to fulfill my position goal of becoming a superintendent, it would be helpful in my development to be a principal for at least two years, then an assistant superintendent before pursuing a superintendency in a large district. I believe I am equipped to become a superintendent in a very small district at this time because of my experience as a magnet school department head and an assistant principal in a school with over 3200 students. For credibility’s sake; however, a principalship would be helpful. I have observed other superintendents without the principalship experience be questioned by subordinates and so, even though I have experience at a large school with varied experience that would count for principal’s duties, perception is important. In addition, I would feel more comfortable observing day to day activities of more than one superintendent to gain experience, resources, advice as well as networking opportunities. It is always important to take advantage of others’ points of view and gain insight from those who have been in that position. I want to make sure I have as many contacts as possible in order to serve my school district the best way possible.

My motivation for becoming a district leader is to serve more students and have a guiding impact on the students’ success. I believe I have a gift in motivating people to become better than they ever thought possible, whether it be other administrators, teachers or students. Such vision must come from the top down and that kind of influence can make a difference in the lives of all stakeholders. A successful superintendent brings all parties together to create something larger than the sum of the parts to shape the future success of the entire community .I want to inspire everyone I come into contact with to reach out to others, to become life-long learners, to see beyond standardized testing, and create new ways of thinking to make better lives. I want to center each community I work with to focus on the important aspects of education for individual and community betterment. If we work on engagement and authentic learning experiences, we cannot help but continue to expand knowledge that will serve our students, teachers, staff and communities. I wish to serve because I care deeply for the futures of students. I have experienced tremendous success as a teacher and a building administrator, and although a district superintendent is farther removed from the classroom, more students’ lives can be influenced for the better. My internship experiences have given me a broader perspective about how school districts work. Without strong leadership on the district level, schools will still go on and progress will be made with individual teachers in their classrooms, but the right leader at the helm can enhance that experience ten-fold by providing resources and inspiration for everyone.