Last This past Monday we had the privilege of having three principals from three schools coming to share their insights as administrators, as well as a look at what they, as principals, look for when hiring new teachers. Specifically, our guests were Jose Manuel Villarreal from the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, Meg Jacobson from Vista Magnet Middle School, and Kyle Ruggles from La Costa Canyon High School. They each gave their own thought on several matters, though often their points of view were similar if not the same.
Jose shared about what JCCS looks for in teachers, like all principals, they want someone with a growth mindset. He also talked again about the school to prison pipeline, how for many at risk students, the school system can set them up for a life of being in prison, and how JCCS is the last line before these kids wind up in prison. He also shared one example where he was able to move a student from one school to another, to prevent him from being shot the next day, saving his life. That was very powerful, we go into teaching to make a difference in the lives of students, what bigger difference can you make than saving a life? Finally, I was surprised to learn that there are actually fewer violent incidents at JCCS schools than general population schools. This may be in part because the students realize that this is their last chance at this, but also because the staff at these school is able to show the students that they care, that they "get it".
Meg gave us a bit of insight about middle schools, as not all of us have had experience at those grade levels. In particular, when talking about VMMS, they do things in "villages" such that a group of students cycles through the same teachers throughout the day. The teachers are then able to meet and discuss concerns about a student that they all have. What I took away from what she had to share was the importance of collaboration, not just to be able to work with our department on curriculum, but also to work with other teachers one of our students has in order to get the bigger picture and figure out how to better work with the student to help them achieve success. This is true regardless of whether the school is set up with villages or not, though it certainly would make the process easier and more effective.
Kyle talked about, among other things, getting involved. This was in part addressing a follow up question I asked about whether we should include subjects on our resume that we are not credentialed for, but we have an interest in. In my case I was talking about theatre tech, I don't have a drama credential, but I have lots of experience in the field, his response was that we absolutely should include such things. Principals love to see teachers that want to go above and beyond teaching their five classes, getting involved in clubs and extracurriculars. I was pleasantly surprised to also learn that the "Techninja" club that I co-founded as a senior at LCC is still very active and provides great service to the school, even seven years later.
Jose shared about what JCCS looks for in teachers, like all principals, they want someone with a growth mindset. He also talked again about the school to prison pipeline, how for many at risk students, the school system can set them up for a life of being in prison, and how JCCS is the last line before these kids wind up in prison. He also shared one example where he was able to move a student from one school to another, to prevent him from being shot the next day, saving his life. That was very powerful, we go into teaching to make a difference in the lives of students, what bigger difference can you make than saving a life? Finally, I was surprised to learn that there are actually fewer violent incidents at JCCS schools than general population schools. This may be in part because the students realize that this is their last chance at this, but also because the staff at these school is able to show the students that they care, that they "get it".
Meg gave us a bit of insight about middle schools, as not all of us have had experience at those grade levels. In particular, when talking about VMMS, they do things in "villages" such that a group of students cycles through the same teachers throughout the day. The teachers are then able to meet and discuss concerns about a student that they all have. What I took away from what she had to share was the importance of collaboration, not just to be able to work with our department on curriculum, but also to work with other teachers one of our students has in order to get the bigger picture and figure out how to better work with the student to help them achieve success. This is true regardless of whether the school is set up with villages or not, though it certainly would make the process easier and more effective.
Kyle talked about, among other things, getting involved. This was in part addressing a follow up question I asked about whether we should include subjects on our resume that we are not credentialed for, but we have an interest in. In my case I was talking about theatre tech, I don't have a drama credential, but I have lots of experience in the field, his response was that we absolutely should include such things. Principals love to see teachers that want to go above and beyond teaching their five classes, getting involved in clubs and extracurriculars. I was pleasantly surprised to also learn that the "Techninja" club that I co-founded as a senior at LCC is still very active and provides great service to the school, even seven years later.