Field Experience B 1

Field Experience B: Principal Interview

John D. Watkins

Grand Canyon University: EAD-505 Educational Law

January 14, 2022

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Field Experience B

Interviewing administrators has opened my eyes to many of the things I have not put into

thought yet. When I made the decision to attend this university and continue my education to

become a principal the obvious parts of the job came to my mind. Meetings, district board

meetings, behavior, teacher evaluations, and working with the community were all things that

stood out. I had the pleasure of interviewing two elementary principals, one at a Title 1 school,

Mrs. Berns, one at a non-Title 1 school, Mrs. Harper, and an Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hamilton.

Mrs. Berns, my principal mentor, and Mrs. Hamilton are the administrators at Grove Elementary

School. Mrs. Harper is the Principal at Anderson Elementary School.

Inspiration, Steps Taken, Training, and Support

All three administrators had interesting journeys that have led them to their current roles.

I learned they wanted to make a bigger difference in the school district, which opened the door

leading to the administrative path. Even though their journeys were similar there was some key

differences in the pathway to get their current role. Mrs. Berns started her career in business

administration and found her way to the classroom. After a quite some time in the classroom she

saw some changes that could improve the school district, she felt that the best way for the district

to make change was internal. She asked to take on more responsibility throughout the district that

opened doors and leading to opportunities to become certified as an administrator. Mrs. Harper’s

journey took off after she left the classroom and became a certified reading specialist. She spent

a few years in that role and applied to the Union Leadership Cadre. This opened the door for her

to become an assistant principal at a Title 1 school, leading to the progression of becoming a

principal. Once Mrs. Hamilton made the decision that she wanted to become an administrator she

immediately started putting herself into situations, taking on leadership roles, and overseeing
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programs that lead her to become a first-year assistant principal. I learned from all three that the

administrative team is extremely supportive. When the Superintendent repeatedly says, “Nobody

wants you to succeed more than we do”, is quite affirming giving anyone the confidence to know

that the administrative team is there to support you. Each administrator continues their learning

in the profession by attending seminars and conferences that help them grow their knowledge as

a principal.

Ongoing Support, Laws/Policies, and Ethics

Every month the interviewees have an administrator meeting where the superintendent of

Union Public Schools addresses new or revised legislation at the beginning of each meeting.

Information about new bills and laws are emailed from the professional organizations they are

members of. When changes or revisions are made to board policies, they are sent by email

colored in red font. The administrators throughout the district are always in communication with

each other giving that real team atmosphere, to be available to discuss situations, struggles, and

ideas. Each interviewee tries to be readily available to help any staff member, student, or parent,

treating them with respect. It is imperative to keep that professional appearance everywhere you

go. Relying and looking up district policies when making difficult decisions plays a major role

throughout the job.

Legal Dilemmas, Communication, Reverse Decision

Custody battles was the most common topic discussed. Due to how tough the situation

can be custody battles bring lots of stress. Getting staff to comprehend that Special Education

paperwork is legal documents that must be followed exactly as the law states. Every

administrator wants to be helpful in every way possible but sometimes wording how things are

said can bring out unwanted issues.

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When it comes to families and the community, communication through Connect Ed text

and phone calls that all parents or staff can receive in bulk, Newsletters, email, and personal

phone calls are utilized. Mrs. Berns shared a time when a student’s behavior warranted a

suspension, which she was completely ready to give until the parent showed up to the school

rushing from a fast-food job and finding out the was the only source of income for the family. In

that moment she changed her mind and from a home suspension to an in-school suspension.

Utilizing standard 2c and 2e of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders shows how

Mrs. Berns is trying to keep the student’s best interest at heart and keeping the student where

they need to be the most, which is in school.

Implications for Future Practice

From these interviews I can take what I have learned from their experiences and apply it

to who I want to be as an administrator. PSEL Standard 2 states, “Effective educational leaders

act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success

and well-being” (National Board Policy of Educational Leaders, 2015, p. 10). I want to be

someone that every teacher, parent, and student wants to come talk to and knows they are

welcome to share anything. Having that open door policy is a way to show how I can be

available. I know that I will need to stay current on Oklahoma legislation and joining

professional organizations will be a major factor in that. Attending trainings and professional

conferences will help continue my learning. Keeping in mind that the board policy book is there

to help guide decisions that need to be made. Reaching out to colleagues and other administrators

for advice will be crucial. Realizing that in this role I do not have to do it alone. There is always

someone that I can rely on to help me when I do not know the answer immediately. When

communication is hard, find a way to reach out to external stakeholders, whether through online
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outlets or regular phone calls. Most importantly every decision that is made must be in the effort

of what is best for students and their well-being.

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References

National Policy Board for Educational Administration (2015). Professional Standards for

Educational Leaders 2015. Reston, VA: Author.