Leader of Service

Third Critical Element Paper

Presented to the Department of Educational Leadership
And Postsecondary Education
University of Northern Iowa

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the
Master of Arts or Advanced Studies Certificate

By
William J. Brock
Waterloo West High School
June 30, 2014

Dr. Dewitt Jones

6/17 Foot in the Door and Kicking it Wide Open

In class we discussed the importance of having a plan of action for when we interview.
The plan not only shows competence in management, but also stresses the importance of
human relations and how to problem solve. The most important part of the action plan is
projecting the image of an applicant at the school and desire to be there. WE looked at a few
examples that highlighted the difference between applying for an assistant principal as oppose
to a head principal. Both plans showed high levels of organization, careful consideration, but
also it highlighted who they were as people and the vision they hoped to carry out. The actions
plans are a great way to distinguish yourself from the competition, and to show what one is
capable to do.
We also discussed how to create a professional cover letter and resume. The UNI
expert, Mrs. Tracy Godon, provided examples of the importance conveying a message and
more importantly who you are in writing. The important takeaways from the discussion were to
proofreading your work or it might cost you a job, update your resume and only include pertinent
information, establish quality references that depict who you are and inform them of your
application.

6/18 Scene One, Take One

Dr. Steve Taft, professor of theater at UNI, talked to the class on acting techniques in
relation to being a principal. I found what he said to be very true, and a good refresher in being
more charismatic. I also enjoyed his examples and analogies on why it is important to rehearse
questions, speeches, voice control. The big takeaway from Tafts presentation is to polish the
small things, be the most prepare, eager, energetic person in the room. Do all the small things
right, and it will inspire others to do the same.
The other presenter was Lt. Martin Beckner fro the Cedar Falls Police Department. His
presentation discussed how to handle conflict. He discussed the importance of body language,
voice control, and relating to the other person in trying to get them on your side. From theyre
paying attention to what is not being said and asking open-ended questions to determine the
needs of the situation. A rule the Lt. Beckner has that I will try and follow is the ten-minute rule.
Basically, if you do not know within ten minutes of what the problem is or how you can help, you
need to remove yourself from the situation. In his case, its either arresting someone or leaving
the scene. As a principal, I view it as rescheduling a better time to talk or leaving the
conversation/result as is. I thought both guest speakers did an excellent job of providing useful
information to future leaders.

6/19 15-Minute Principal: Day in the Office

The Day in the Office simulation provided perspective on how sudden, random, and
political concerns can be in leading a school. It was interesting to hear all of the scenarios and
how the acting principal handled it. As a spectator it was always easier to assess the situation
and create a plan of action, to offer advice and complement on what the acting principal did well
at. As a participant I found it harder to think on my feet, to see the possible angles, motives, and
to anticipate what would be said next. I think I did very well with the exercise, but I realize that I
had it easier than some of my peers. The takeaways I had from the experience is to never say
to much because it can and will backfire, to listen to the concerns and pay attention to what is
not being said, and never become reactive. If one can be polite while remaining firm, there are
very few situations that they cannot handle. Overall I really enjoyed the experience.

6/24 In Our Own Words: Inclusion Panel

I was able to attend the second day keynote presentation for the 2014 MidWest Summer
Institute Inclusion and Communication for all at the University of Northern Iowa. The
presentation was a panel made up of Sue Robin, Jamie Burke, and Tracy Thresher are
individuals with communication disabilities that went on to graduate from college. Their stories
describe the difficulties of high school, college, and more importantly communication with
others. Robin, Burke, and Thresher have different communication disabilities, but through the
use of technology and support that schools can provide, they were able to achieve a high level
of academic and social success that most would have dismissed as impossible in regards to
their disability. I thought their stories and message were inspiring and illustrates what can be
achieved with determination and vision by all.

6/25 Its a Hard Knock Life: Poverty Simulation

The poverty simulation provided a great learning experience for what students, families,
and communities can go through to have their basic needs met. My scenario was a boyfriend
who was the sole provider for a mother and toddler. It was stressful on the family in trying to
climb out of poverty, and assistance was minimal. There never was enough time to complete
tasks, nor was there advice on how improve our situation. Within the chaos of everyone trying to
advance themselves, society took on a more negative predatory role, perspectives changed,
and the rat in the maze mentality took over.
In reflecting on the day, the only possible way for my character to overcome poverty was
to leave the girlfriend and toddler and try to make it on my own living in the poverty shelter. This
is a really sad realization that some of my students are all too familiar with, the loss of a loved
one/provider and inconsistent relationships. Another important take away that Ive always
wondered was how can someone that is in poverty have a smartphone, expensive clothes,
Xbox, etc. and still live off food stamps? My initial thought is that it was a difference in values
and people were taking advantage of the system; however, during the debriefing this point was
brought up with the idea that the item is their mental escape from poverty. It always made sense
to my why addiction is so widespread in poverty inflicted areas because people were mentally
escaping poverty, but it was the simulation that brought the idea of consumerism as a form of
escape to mind.
Overall I thought the simulation was a great experience and provided me the realization
of what it is like as a parent and student to live in poverty. To me the simulation also showed
how important it is to be connected to businesses and services so that I can be of assistance in
helping families meet their basic needs of students. I also viewed the simulation as confirmation
of my stance on being a positive role model in my students lives; I might just be the only one
they have that is offering that perspective for them.

7/1 Hero to Zero to Staying as One

Dr. Steve Gray spoke of his dissertation on stress perceptions on the public school
administrator and their spouse. He began with an excerpt from what a typical day looked like
during his time as a middle school principal and throughout his narrative I could connect with the
stress that he was describing. Dr. Gray identified being a principal fit the description of an
extreme job (working over 60 hours a week, physical presence over 10 hours a day, financial
bread winner of the family, etc).
Dr. Gray found themes throughout his research; one that is a personal concern is the
lack of family time, missing important events, and the guilt that follows. l think as educators, we
want our families to embody the ideals of determination, progress, advancement, and selfimprovement through education; however, it seems unrealistic to have these expectations if we
as principals are elsewhere. Although it is not impossible to have our families internalize these
values, it just makes it that much harder in a one parent absentee household. In reflecting on
the message, I am grateful that I chose to become a principal now as my family is young and I
can learn how to master the position so that later in my the life of my family I will have the
experience in creating more family time.
I enjoyed listening to the frankness of the conversation; the messages were logical, but it
was nice to hear from an experienced leader that everyone wants you as a friend, but no one
wants to be your friend and the emphasis on keeping your current friends because after this
transition new friendships come at price. I also thought Dr. Gays book recommendations were
interesting, thought provoking, and could provide great inspiration to me as leader. His last point
on making time for mind, body, and soul I believe is sound advice for any person, but resonates
even more so as leading by example.
The panel of administrators and their significant others was also informative and
provided information that is easily found in an educational guide in maintaining ones
principalship. My takeaways from the group are as follows: have your family create their own
identify and not take on yours, communication is important but limit what your family needs to
know, create time for your family (ex: the weekly meal/fun night to their interests and vacations),
involve your family in school activities, NEVER do today what can be put off tomorrow, take
pride and recognize each others growth and accomplishments, and be willing to sacrifice your
interests (ex: college football) because your family members are sacrificing the most for you to
be a principal.