Running Heading: Culminating Written Experience Journal

Culminating Written Experience Journal

Sandra E. Zaragoza

East Texas Baptist University

EDUC 5385-Dr. Lara Cavin

Due Date: November 28, 2016

Running Heading: Cumulative Practicum I Experience

During the fall semester, I really learned some very profound lessons from my administrators.
Number one, the students are truly the focus at our campus. First, the principals are cognizant of the
happenings on our campus. If one is not, then the other is. There is a family spirit at our campus. Our
family, like any family, has gone through some ups and downs. Both principals are involved and
dedicated to their school. I am very lucky to have had some great professional development and hours
with many administrators in this district.
My perspective of administrative duties has widened throughout this experience. Over the past
few months, I have experienced behavior issues and communication and miscommunication between
principals and staff. I have seen the importance of being visible to create a safe and secure learning
environment.
I know that many people in education have no desire of taking the responsibility of an
administrative leader, and I know that administrators have great responsibilities. I think that I have a
new found respect for their job. I do not aspire to jump into this position anytime soon. I know it takes
time and patience to ease into the administrators role. Human relation skills and understanding of all
cultural groups and stakeholders are essential in surviving as a principal. There is not much room for
error as a principal. You answer to the superintendent, which in my opinion is very intimidating. Our
administrators are constantly under the leadership microscope. They are being evaluated in the same
way teachers are evaluated, if not more rigorously. Administrators are the instructional leaders of their
campus. They are the first in the chain of command.
I have learned that the principal and the assistant principal have to ensure the safety and security
of all of their people on campus. They maintain security by assuring the maintenance and janitorial staff
to keep gates locked and school clean. All entrances of the doors remain locked. Parents and visitors to
the campus come in through a door with a camera so secretaries can view them. District policy requires

Running Heading: Cumulative Practicum I Experience

parents to have photo identification of some sort to present to the office staff. One principal does duty on
the pink side and the other principal does duty on the green side. Other personnel and staff cover bus
duty and hallways filled with students waiting to be picked up. Walkie-talkies are used by all team
leaders and office staff members. Our administrators stress over all the intricate workings of a campus.
Their perspective is wider than that of a teacher. I see this more clearly now. Shadowing my assistant
principal as she scripted teachers really made me see all the different teaching styles and commitments
of our teachers. Our administrators days start early and end late into the night. They sleep lightly
thinking of the anvil of responsibilities that their profession requires. I tip my hat off to all
administrators.