Reflections on Domain III Competencies 8-9

Reflections on Domain III Competencies 8-9

My internship experiences for Domain III have given me great insight and an understanding of administrative leadership.  Much of this was gained through discussions with many individuals on my campus, research I conducted, and activities I have performed.  The time I spent will give me the foundation I need to be a successful administrator in the future.

My activities in Competency 8 allowed me apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to campus budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology use.  I inventoried all of the current administrative technology in use.  This allowed me to determine if there was adequate equipment for administrative purposes and to determine what equipment should be upgraded, repaired, or replaced.  I met with the school attendance officer and the director of security to discuss ways technology is used to monitor student attendance.  We also discussed the process of monitoring truant students.  As Activities Accountant, I oversee the income generation and purchases of all extracurricular activities and clubs.  I work closely with club advisors, coaches, and the athletic director on financial matters, giving financial guidance and advice.  I also prepare and maintain financial records that are supplied to the district business administrator and the district’s auditors.  I developed a professional development plan that includes deficiencies and areas in need of improvement.  In addition, I compiled a list of publications and resources that will be useful for use as an administrator.

In Competency 9, I gained knowledge on how to apply principles of leadership and management to the campus physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.  I worked with technology support personnel to identify computer lab computers in need of repair, replacement, or upgrading for improved student use.  I discussed current issues and needs of the transportation department with the district’s assistant director of transportation.  I also discussed the daily responsibilities and management of the school cafeteria with the cafeteria manager. 

All of these activities gave me a greater understanding of an administrator’s role as an administrative leader.  Administrators are responsible for and need to be knowledgeable of all aspects of the school community.  They need to be effective leaders and managers to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.