Thursday, May 5, 2011

Maybe I'll apply (ahead of schedule)

A single, open administrative position (an assistant principal) has just been announced in my school district for the next school year.  I am considering applying.

Over the past two months, there has been a fair amount of shuffling of principals and assistant principals, but the process hasn't been opened up to an external field of applicants because the number of downsized administrators has matched the number of retirements.  But with all current administrators "accounted for" for the next school year, this new opening will afford people such as myself an opportunity to compete for an administrative position.

My school district is teeming with people like myself; namely, teachers who have an administrative license and who are waiting for a chance.  I don't have an exact number, but it seems like whenever I attend any district-level meeting, there are other license-holders also there, boosting their resume experience.  I know for a fact that I would be a longshot for the open position.  How do I know?  Because my district-level supervisor told me so yesterday.  Nevertheless, I've received the green light to apply, even though I already occupy one of the most coveted positions in the district (a teacher who is paid full-time just to be mentored by other principals--thanks to a privately funded grant).

I clearly lack the quasi-administrative experience and length of district service that others have.  On the other hand, I've accomplished enough that I can demonstrate superior strengths in certain areas, such as my ability to:  build consensus, energize a staff around an objective, and improve the performance of low-achieving students.  The application deadline isn't too far away, so I will have to decide soon.

No comments:

Post a Comment