Nicole Olnhausen

EAD-505
Field Experience C
August 11, 2021

Field Experience C
This field experience required me to investigate the roles of the principal and ESS director with
the special education population. I found this assignment to be extra unique because I am a
special education teacher. Due to my experience, I already had an idea of what the roles of the
director and principal are, but it was interesting to hear them put it in their own words. I also
learned things about roles I did not know they had.
For my special education director, Jodi, I learned about what her perspective is for the principal
role in special education. Jodi said the principial supports decisions made by the special
education team. For example, if a parent disagrees with a decision the IEP team has made, the
principal may need to ‘defend’ or back up the team’s decision with the parent. The principal also
advocates for resources such as hiring additional staff (special ed. teachers, additional
psychologist, provide language interpreters for meetings, etc.). Jodi also discusses with my
mentor principal any concerns regarding staff, guidance on how to handle difficult situations,
and student behaviors. She also communicates with the principal every other day.
Deana, my mentor principal, is also the principal that interacts with Jodi the most. When asked
what she believes are some of her top duties, she said, ensuring FAPE is enforced, maintaining
compliance by keeping IEPs and METs current, ensure we can meet the needs of students
through our resources (or find appropriate placement for student), secure adequate staffing and
ensure appropriate certification for staff, and ensure that staff are kept up-to-date on policy and
regulations in line with IDEA. Deana also conducts the teacher evaluations for the special
education department.
These conversations were beneficial because while I see Jodi often in meetings, I do not always
see Deana in them. She has needed to attend some of my parent conferences and IEP meetings,
but I cannot grasp the full scope of her duties unless I asked. I also cannot know the interactions
between Jodi and Deana unless I asked.
Through this field experience, I have learned how implement standard 5 of the PSEL standards.
“Effective educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community
that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student” (National Policy Board for
Educational Administrations 2015). Deana and Jodi show they enforce standard five by caring
about the appropriate placement of each individual student and ensuring those students are
receiving the most out of their classroom/subject. As a principal, Deana has always been very
supportive of our special ed. Department and is always open to collaboration.
 In the future, I think I would do well in a principal role because of my special education
background. I have worked with disabilities for seven years (as of now) and have a Master’s in
Special Education from GCU. I too will be able to implement standard 5 because I will be able to
look at a special education teacher’s classroom and give constructive advice when needed. I also
will be able to apply my own knowledge and workings of an IEP to any sensitive concerns that
come up with a parent. I will have a unique lens to view this department through, as a principal.

Reference:
National Policy Board for Educational Administration (2015). Professional Standards for
Educational Leaders 2015. Reston, VA: Author.