Carlos

Garcia Lara May 1, 2013 LA-PRN @ STERN MASS One of the most important aspects of the Principal Residency Network is having access to a variety of resources that allow the Aspiring Principal to develop the necessary capacities needed to transform educational systems. One particular resource that has been readily available to us on a regular basis is the access to academic settings that have ranged from Elementary schools all the way up to a university campus. Along with this perk, our cohort has also been privy to invaluable feedback from seasoned and rookie principals that are at the forefront of a new era in educational leadership; an era that brings many opportunities in the shape and form of obstacles and challenges caused by severe budget cuts. In our last encounter, our cohort had the opportunity to cross-examine the principal of a secondary charter high school. A school that has achieved a high Academic Performance Index (API) score since they opened back in 2006. Their principal shared with us several stories and strategies that have effectively worked for her over the past years but cautioned that success is only limited to what the individual is willing contribute. In her case, collective decision-making and long hours has made the necessary difference needed to set and meet the high standards of any effective small school. One of the things shared that resonated with Social Justice Leadership was working with presence and always being intentional with even the smallest action taken. The Mentor Principal (MP) shared how she sometimes anticipates uncomfortable moments before and during faculty wide professional development meetings and strategically/intentionally sets up icebreakers/activities that invite constructive yet valuable criticism. The MP also shared her take on discipline and said that having a positive and proactive approach made a huge difference and that it was something that every principal had to deal with but setting professional boundaries was definitely a necessary component. Public Education is complex and largely because it deals with human interaction on a daily basis. All this, coupled with in local parentis, will challenge even the most ethical leader out there. Therefore, knowing about seminal cases and the precedents theyve set will certainly help alleviate anxiety that is sure to plague the mind of any social justice leader. In this last meeting, our learning was facilitated by every AP who played a part in a couple of mock situations that are sure to manifest once we are in the hot seat of leadership. While all of this may have felt overwhelming to an educator who is in a traditional admin credential program that possibly doesnt challenge them and or supports them with an MP, our cohort/family eagerly embraced the opportunity to practice what weve witnessed and anxiously anticipate will happen. Of course, having up to date literature on Education/School and California Law goes a long way and allows for true learning to take place. And yes, I do anticipate the challenge will be significant and there will be more than enough instances where we will be tested but I find comfort in knowing that Ive found a home with a new professional family. I know that I will be able to reach out to my colleagues who know the importance of the work. This is where PRN truly earns its title and prestige! A network of dedicated professionals!