6-12 Principal Interview

Getting the ability to interview one of my past teachers was an awesome experience. I had the luxury of talking to one of my former high school teachers and Student Council advisor Tessa Gargano. We have a great reputation together and basically know each other like the backs of our hands.

My first school board meeting as an administrator was held on February 23rd, 2016 at my school, Pierre Moran Middle School, one of three middle schools within the Elkhart Community Schools system. I wasn’t sure what to expect because we had spent so much time planning for the presentation our building principal, who is in her second year of administration and first year as building principal, was going to present to the board. I was probably more nervous than she was and all I had to do was stand up and be acknowledged as the Academic Dean. Nevertheless, it all went off with a hitch and we received kudos for our students, staff, and building maintenance.

The interview process is really a two way street. Candidates are given the opportunity to show what makes them the best fit for a job and in turn, the interview committee has the opportunity to show the candidate that their school is not just a place for them to have a job, but it is a place where they can start their career and make a name for themselves in the educational world. Over the years Round Lake Middle School has made changes to the process they use to interview and select candidates. The goal of the interview process is to find the best fit candidate, one in which the interview committee feels has the desire and ability to be an influential part of the RMLS staff for many years.

Next, I asked Mrs. Bernard about the changing structure of schools, including the dynamics between general and special education classrooms. She elaborated on the fact she tries to stay out of politics, but it is difficult since politicians make the most of the decisions for educators. She states, “Those who teach will teach and those who cannot teach will make laws

Through my interview, I learned how the special education teachers help support the students as well as the general education teachers. It was interesting to learn

This interview had to be the most difficult to schedule. The administrator that I interviewed was Mrs. Kate Thornton, the Vice Principal at Chapman high School. Mrs. Thornton is also the activities coordinator for Chapman high school. Mrs. Thornton herself has a background teaching English, but she also has a speech/theatre background and licensure. I decided to interview her because after my interview with Mrs. Erickson, my cooperating teacher, she ensured me that Mrs. Thornton would love to do it. A little back ground information, Mrs. Thornton is Mrs. Erickson’s daughter, so she was basically volunteered by her mother. I have been doing my practicum placement in chapman so it was also convenient for me seems how I was there every day. After numerous attempts at emailing and scheduling a meeting with Mrs. Thornton, her mother talked to her and I was finally able to be squeezed into her busy schedule. So finally, on November 2, 2017 I was able to have my third and final interview.

Hawaii has 134 high schools, made up of 83 public schools and 51 private schools. We all know that the first day of school is always the most awkward day, because no one knows anyone and we sit by ourselves. The solution is student interviews because we get to know someone, who might have never known you had anything in common. I sure found something in common with my partner. Moses Aaron Agcolicol is interesting because he was born and raised in Hawaii, his goals in school and life are similar to mine, and we have similar hobbies.

Cal State Los Angeles receives many incoming freshmen each year and each student comes from a different background. All scholars who decide to continue their education have struggles and motivations that have affected their achievements. Through a peer interview that was required in my English class, I had the opportunity to learn one of my classmates attitude towards his goals, education, and his past struggles that has motivated him to keep moving forward. I was paired with Adrian Cardenas; he has braces which made him look young overall his appearance looked young . He has light brown skin, light brown eyes,brown hair and is Hispanic. He was casually dressed, wore a black polo shirt, fitted jeans,white sneakers

My partner and I decided to do our project on Communities in Schools Houston. We reached out to Spring Branch Elementary School on the West side of Houston. Here we interviewed with Mrs. Irene Alfaro, the designated CIS project manager, and one of her families. My experience over all was interesting.

When Ms. Caterson, the Director, came out to greet me, she was very professional and friendly. We went back to her office and she gave me a very thorough overview of the school. She answered any questions I had and also educated me on how the education for children with disabilities has changed over the years. She discussed with me that she had been with the

Our conversation included discussion about our current special education set-up. We have case managers which are not on site for many of our students. This means teachers and administrators spend time trying to research who is responsible for which child. He said he normally deals directly with the special education director because it is expedient.

On a busy Wednesday afternoon, I was able to speak with Kari Hinds, Assistant Principal of Eldon South Elementary. Mrs. Hinds has been in the field of education for a total of thirteen years, five being in the Eldon School District, and the last two being in her current position. She grew up in Eldon, but moved to Versailles when she was in the 6th grade, she graduated high school from Versailles. After high school she went to Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree. She then completed Specialist in Administration from William Woods. Kari is a mother of three and the wife of the Chad Hinds, head coach of the Eldon Baseball team. During the interview she was asked about maintaining balance in her life, she stated that “having three small children I don’t feel I give them as much attendance as I should”, she was quick to give credit to her husband for stepping up and taking care of the day to day activates at home and with the kids.

On April 18, 2016, I interviewed my Principal at my school in the conference room next to her office.

The person I chose to interview was Betsy Calhoun head of the business department. Before she was a teacher here at LR Betsy worked in billing in doctor’s offices and she did clerical work for banks, she worked at the vermont leadership center as an administrator and she helped organize the youth core. Now she teaches tech and computer apps and is our FBLA chapter advisor. She first got into business at twenty five when she came to the realization that she wanted to go back to school.

I chose to interview Randy Bedsaul. He is an older gentleman who responds in a genuine manner. Since he works in my maintenance shop and I interact with him on a daily basis it was easy to ask him to do this interview. He responded quickly to my request and even stayed after work one day to help me out. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. I really appreciate individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to help others in regards to personal/professional growth.